Hartford Business Journal

42 Hartford Business Journal | February 22, 2021 | HartfordBusiness.com The New England Council believes there are several key issues where federal action could reap tremendous benefits for New England: Additional COVID relief — The COVID relief packages Congress passed last year have provided critical support to our nation, economy, and communities as we continue on the path to recovery. There is no question, though, that additional relief is needed — including additional unemployment assistance, stimulus payments for struggling Americans, state and local aid, or support for the businesses most severely affected Leaders on both sides of the aisle have historically supported investment in infrastructure, but have struggled to find common ground on the specifics. It is expected that the Biden administration will soon put forth a proposal, and the Council is hopeful that our leaders in Congress will come together to make much- needed investments in our nation's infrastructure. Clean energy — President Biden has made clear that combating climate change will be a top priority. The new president's team will undoubtedly enhance our nation's environmental regulations while also promoting greater investment in renewable energy. The New England region — home of the nation's first offshore wind farm, with several others in development — is already a leader in the renewable energy industry. We look forward to new federal policies that will encourage continued growth in this sector, which will not only support climate change goals, but also create jobs and spur economic expansion. The good news for New England? Our region is incredibly well-represented on Capitol Hill as the New England delegation continues to gain more and more clout in Congress. In the House, Massachusetts Reps. Richie Neal and Jim McGovern will continue to chair two of the most influential House committees: the Ways & Means Committee and the Rules Committee, respectively. Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro was recently elevated to chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. And Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark was recently elected assistant speaker, making her the fourth most powerful Democrat in the House of Representatives. With Democrats taking control in the Senate, three of the region's 12 senators will become committee chairs. Our region has incredible leaders in prime positions to advocate for New England's priorities. Of course, with narrow margins in both the House and Senate, bipartisan collaboration will be vital to advance these important policies. I am confident that our leaders in Washington will find a way to bridge the divide and resolve their differences through respectful debate and compromise. James T. Brett is the president and CEO of The New England Council, a regional alliance of businesses, nonprofits, and health and educational institutions dedicated to supporting economic growth in New England. by the pandemic. Fortunately, President Biden has already put forth a relief package and has indicated that an additional economic stimulus package is forthcoming. We urge Congress to take quick action on the President's relief plan. Infrastructure — We all know far too well that our region's transportation infrastructure is in need of modernization. But the pandemic has also exposed — and in some cases exacerbated — other vulnerabilities, ranging from disparities in broadband access to outdated school buildings with inadequate ventilation. At the same time, we know that infrastructure investment will create new jobs, which is all the more important as so many have found themselves unemployed over the past year. EDITOR'S TAKE Hartford needs a reset on business-gov't relations G overning in the age of COVID-19 is a challenge, particularly for legislative bodies. Face-to-face meetings with colleagues, and more importantly constituents, are happening less often, if at all. Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly, which is currently operating without the public allowed inside the state Capitol, rightly raised red flags recently, arguing that the separation between policymakers and the public could increase the chances of ill-advised legislation being proposed and passed. That disconnect between legislator and constituent can lead to siloed thinking. And it has been on full display in the city of Hartford since the start of the new year. Two policies in particular, proposed by a few members of the city council, have created quite a stir. One aimed to significantly increase fees paid by parking-lot operators, while another proposed fines on landlords with long-term retail vacancies. To be sure, both policies were well- meaning — they aimed to increase commercial activity in a downtown hit hard by the pandemic. In reality they would have had the opposite effect, and they've been rightfully put on the back burner, at least for now. But even more troubling than the policy proposals themselves is the fact that the business community wasn't briefed on either of them before they appeared on the city council agenda. That lack of communication can create a sense of mistrust and lead to a business unfriendly environment. The proposals demonstrated that some council members aren't only on a different page with the business community, but are reading from an entirely different playbook. The purpose of this column isn't to play the blame game or go into a deep policy debate about either issue. Instead I'm calling for a hard and fast reset of the relationship between Hartford's business community and the city council. They can ill-afford to be rowing in different directions as the city and state gear up for a post-COVID recovery. And repairing that relationship starts with making sure there is one to begin with. The first step is to simply convene a series of regular meetings between Hartford investors/businesses — both from downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods — and city council members. These can be in-person or virtual meetings, but there needs to be some relationship building. Mayor Luke Bronin and the MetroHartford Alliance/Hartford Chamber of Commerce, which are known to have a good working relationship, should play some type of convening role. Council members must get a better understanding of what it will take to turn Hartford into a more vibrant 24/7 city, while business leaders must understand the budgetary and other pressures faced by local elected leaders. There already appears to be some progress on this front. Following a rejection of the vacant storefront fine proposal, city council Democrats said they've joined with the Hartford Business Improvement District, and other business leaders, to form a task force to develop policies that will aid Hartford's economic recovery. Common ground will only be found through fruitful conversation. And to be clear, I'm not asking the city council to capitulate to all the needs and desires of the business community, but at least hear and consider them. It could lead to new ideas for public-private partnerships. In addition to more communication, the city should think about a carrot rather than stick approach to stimulating growth. Higher taxes and fines aren't going to lead to new development or retail activity. But a stable and reliable business environment can certainly help. Opinion & Commentary Greg Bordonaro OTHER VOICES New hope for economic growth in the new year James T. Brett By James T. Brett W ith the Biden administration and 117th Congress now underway, there is much hope for a new era of unity — both in Washington, D.C., and across the nation. Our country has faced unprecedented challenges over the past year. We have grappled with a devastating public health crisis and a resulting economic crisis. We have encountered political turmoil. And we have awakened to an overdue call for social change. The new administration and Congress must tackle a number of challenges and will surely be focused on advancing policies that support recovery and economic growth.

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