Local Economy
Local Business First
Cranbrook’s economy is built by the people who invest here, hire here, serve here, and support this community every day.
The Issue
What Residents Are Facing
Cranbrook needs a stronger local economy and a broader commercial tax base, but economic development cannot only be about attracting something new. It has to begin with the businesses that are already here.
Local employers face rising costs, staffing challenges, safety concerns, development timelines, tax pressure, and uncertainty. A mayor who understands business can help City Hall become a better partner.
Tom’s Approach
Support the People Already Building Cranbrook
Tom’s 30+ year business background gives him a practical understanding of how City decisions affect employers, entrepreneurs, investors, trades, professionals, restaurants, shops, and service providers.
He will bring that lens to City Hall by focusing on communication, timelines, safety, procurement, infrastructure, and business retention.
The Plan
What Tom Will Work Toward
- Launch a business retention and expansion program.
- Meet regularly with local employers, the Chamber, Downtown Business Association, Community Futures, tourism partners, industry, and College of the Rockies.
- Improve development and permit communication.
- Track and publish development-service timelines.
- Support downtown safety, cleanliness, and events.
- Give local businesses a fair opportunity in City purchasing where possible.
- Grow the commercial tax base responsibly and support industrial and commercial land readiness.
- Promote Cranbrook as a place to live, invest, work, and build.
The Goal
What Success Looks Like
- Businesses feel heard by City Hall.
- Development and permit processes are clearer.
- Downtown feels safer, cleaner, and more active.
- Economic development focuses on retention, expansion, and attraction.
- Cranbrook becomes easier to invest in without lowering standards.
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