Website

www.jeffbrownridgeyyc.com

Bio

Meet Jeff Brownridge:

I have lived in Calgary for 40+ years and have helped to successfully grow and build businesses here in Calgary ranging from startups to Fortune 500.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Calgary.

Along with my wife Kristie, we have raised our two children here. I have also volunteered for several years as a hockey coach with minor hockey.

Candidate Video

Survey

1. The City of Calgary could be more business friendly in tone and action.

   Yes

   How?

   In Canada small businesses account for nearly four-fifths of job growth and job creation yet only half of these businesses survive past their fifth year of operations. The City of Calgary needs to create an economic climate where businesses can thrive and flourish so that all of Calgary can enjoy well paying career opportunities. The City of Calgary also needs to continue to promote Calgary as a highly desirable place for new companies and industries to relocate to or open up new offices - similar to what took place with Silicon Valley based company RocketSpace.

2. City government could be more efficient in program delivery and spending.

   Yes

   How?

   Property taxes increased at nearly three times the rate of inflation from 2005 to 2015 in Calgary and businesses are struggling under increasing levels of taxation in many different forms. There are opportunities for city council to be far more efficient in program delivery and spending. If there are areas where private enterprise can deliver services at much more cost effective levels than those options need to be evaluated. Spending for all departments must be closely scrutinized for efficiency and cost reduction opportunities.

3. City Council needs a plan in place for managing the loss of revenue, that resulted from the drop in downtown business property values.

   Yes

   How?

   City Council needs to collaborate closely with Economic Development Calgary and the Chamber of Commerce to develop a comprehensive plan for how to best manage this loss of revenue from the drop in business property values. Reductions of tax levels and regulatory hurdles need to be explored as possible solutions for stimulating economic growth and for attracting new industries and companies to locate here.

4. City government could be more open and welcoming to new innovative ideas or business models.

   Yes

   How?

   There is a Fourth Industrial Revolution upon us and new technologies and industries are driving this transformation. Calgary needs to highlight the fact that we have a highly educated workforce,available office space and a high quality of life. Our municipal government has to take an active role in luring these companies and industries to set up operations and offices here in Calgary.

5. Regulatory barriers should be reduced and regulatory timelines shortened to allow businesses to create jobs faster.

   Yes

   How?

   All regulations should be evaluated for their validity and for the core purpose that they serve. If a regulation does not contribute to the greater good and only serves to create a barrier for businesses to launch then those regulations can be reduced or eliminated. Regulatory timelines also need to be reviewed as long delays that prevent businesses from creating jobs are also problematic.

6. What is your top idea or policy for developing jobs, business, and the economy?

   Taxation levels at the Federal and Provincial levels are already encouraging capital and investment to relocate to other jurisdictions where the business climate is more welcoming. The City of Calgary needs to buck this trend and establish the city as a place that encourages new businesses and industries to open offices and relocate operations to our city. I would look at ways to encourage businesses to set up here in Calgary and create new jobs.