Speaker outlines small-business agenda, fines overhaul and intent to subpoena predatory actors

The Speaker said the council will pursue an agenda aimed at helping small businesses by reducing fines and cutting bureaucratic red tape, while also using legal tools to hold predatory private actors accountable.

"As a former small business owner, we're gonna slash fines" and "cut bureaucratic red tape," the Speaker said, adding that the city should attract and support businesses that follow the law while taking a hard look at genuinely predatory conduct.

He also said the council has authority to subpoena private actors in cases of suspected predatory conduct and that the council has not fully used those tools in the past. "We absolutely have the legal authority to do so, and it's something we're going to pursue," the Speaker said. He added that he would consult with Council Member Ressler about reintroducing bills from the last session; he noted all prior-session bills must be reintroduced.

The transcript does not include draft ordinances, projected fiscal impacts of reduced fines, or a timetable for subpoena use. The Speaker made clear the policy approach will combine relief for compliant small businesses with enforcement against predatory practices.