I'm eager to take the lessons from the pilot and expand this program next term. Lyndale Avenue is a TOP priority on my list to ensure the community continues to enjoy the unique independent small businesses through and after road reconstruction. 5/5

This term, I championed a bill to provide grants to qualified independent, small businesses along roads undergoing reconstruction. This successfully resulted in a pilot project along Arcade Street in Saint Paul. 4/

We need independent local businesses. They provide important products and services, provide unique third spaces for community to gather, and critically they provide choice and resilience against growing corporate dominance. 3/

Many MN commercial roads are 60-80 years old and due for reconstruction. Our economy is no longer runs on just brick and mortar stores. Disrupted access to businesses for road construction can make it difficult for them to survive. 2/