On Wednesday, Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu filed a report teeming with suggestions for how to streamline Boston’s antiquated licensing and permitting process.
The report, consisting of 25 recommendations for how Boston can become more accommodating to small businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs, is the result of a series of public meetings in which Councilor Wu entertained feedback directly from Boston businesspeople on how make the licensing and permitting system more efficient.
“Simplifying permitting and supporting small businesses will expand access to opportunity for residents in every neighborhood,” said Councilor Wu in a statement. “Boston is home to great ideas, talented entrepreneurs, and a ready workforce. If we can make it easier and faster to open for business in Boston, we can make every neighborhood a destination.”
The report (see: below) notes that the suggestions presented to the Special Committee on Small Business, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation (chaired by Councilor Wu) are a composite of common, widespread themes made abundantly clear by the city’s economic drivers.
The Committee then endeavored to find solutions to these hindering themes by determining ways to implement “clarity in the process, improved coordination between departments, and a streamlined user experience for applicants.”
Some of the suggestions, which are almost so painstakingly obvious it prompts one to wonder how any small business in Boston has been built and has endured its convoluted economic landscape, include the following:
- Create a Small Business Liaison Position in the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services.
- Provide comprehensive checklists in multiple languages at each agency.
- Publicize estimated timelines for obtaining various permits and licenses based on data.
- Align the hours at agencies and counters.
- Combine applications for overlapping permits from different agencies.
- Create a single online application portal across agencies
- Create mechanisms for feedback from applicants.
According to Councilor Wu’s office, the report will be presented to her constituent city councilors for their feedback, as well as the feedback of the Mayor’s Administration and all other interested parties.
Given Mayor Walsh’s steadfast commitment to transparent municipal government, as evidenced by the likes of his attempts at extending Boston’s nightlife and signing an executive order open sourcing Boston data, he’s likely to back Councilor Wu with much, if not all, of his clout.
The Boston City Council will convene at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at which point Councilor Wu will deliver her presentation.
SmallBiz Permitting Report 6.12.14
Image via Michelle Wu
