Building an Economy

Initiate a thorough audit of Orleans Parish's tax structure, focusing on the $1.25 billion in annual tax revenue, where 75% is earmarked for specific purposes like tourism and conventions, leaving limited flexibility for general municipal needs like infrastructure and public safety. Identify taxes that can be restructured or rededicated to prioritize high-impact areas such as streets and drainage, which currently receives 4-5% of tax revenue

Remember Businesses don't pay taxes, the customer does.

The key to lowering the cost of living is to lower how taxes and fees.

Court costs, parking tickets, an license fees can trap low-income residents in cycles of debt and legal entanglement.

• Cap certain municipal fines for people below income thresholds.

• Cap annual assessment jumps in historically undervalued areas experiencing rapid gentrification.

• Target Tax relief to renters, seniors, veterans, and caregivers.

• Cap regressive fines& freeze taxes for low-income owners.

Reform the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for new developments, particularly in commercial and industrial zones. Fast-track permitting for projects that align with economic priorities such as renewable energy or technology startups.

Supercharge the One-Stop for business licensing and regulatory compliance, reducing fees for startups and small businesses. Create dedicated advisors for startups to guide them though all of the steps required to build each business.

I seek to reduce administrative burdens by consolidating business license fees and streamlining compliance processes. For example, leverage software like TaxCloud to automate sales tax compliance for businesses, reducing their operational costs.