Public Advocate Bill de Blasio believes small businesses are anchors of our neighborhoods. The city is home to over 190,000 small businesses that provide essential services, employ thousands of city residents and foster the entrepreneurial spirit that makes New York thrive.
A vital part of the economy, small businesses are adding jobs through start-ups and expansions at twice the rate of larger companies. We need to stop needlessly burdening New York small business owners, and emphasize compliance over revenue.
1. Pilot a new fine-reduction program to cut fines 10% in five community districts. Inspectors should focus on increasing compliance through education, direct outreach and providing businesses with an opportunity to correct non-critical violations before receiving a fine.
2. Open up the books on fine-based revenue. City agencies that assess fines for violations at small businesses should report on the specific revenue from those fines in each year’s budget.
3. Eliminate outdated and abused regulations. Introduce legislation to install a Regulatory Review Panel as a permanent body to review existing rules and regulations, as well as proposed regulation changes.
4. Streamline the adjudication process. Enable small business owners to contest violations online, by phone or by mail.
5. Meet business owners on their own doorsteps. The Public Advocate will appoint a team of 25 Red Tape Cutters comprised retired business owners and veterans of small business regulation to assist business owners.
> Download the Public Advocate's Full Report & Recommendations here (.pdf)
If you or anyone you know has been hurt by burdensome regulations or excessive fines, call the Public Advocate’s Small Business Hotline: (212) 669-4691 or send us an email at smallbusiness@pubadvocate.nyc.gov.
Apply Now to be a Red Tape Cutter:
The Public Advocate's “Red Tape Cutters” will assist businesses with identifying and fixing common violations used by City agencies to assess fines; notifying the Public Advocate’s Office to changes in enforcement patterns; and collecting input from owners on pending rules and regulations, and on new initiatives that can help them grow and add jobs. To apply, complete the form below.