Dear Neighbors,

There is much to be grateful for this holiday season: Veterans who served our country, a vibrant city, and our neighbors. Mark your calendar to attend a Ward 1 neighborhood meeting this month. Read on to learn how we can update our municipal policies to support local and disadvantaged businesses. Keep your family busy with all the special events happening this month. And don't forget: the Festival of Lights switch on ceremony is November 18th at 5 PM. Get there early to get the best view of the fireworks. 

In gratitude, 

When local and disadvantaged businesses thrive, the entire community thrives. City Council sets the Riverside's purchasing policies that can either help or unintentionally create barriers to such businesses.

Councilmember Edwards has worked with City staff to analyze our current purchasing policies and to explore ways that local businesses and businesses owned by local women, people of color, veterans, and other marginalized groups will have ample opportunities to provide goods and services needed by the City.

Tune into the Economic Development Committee on November 2nd at 3 PM to learn more about the Local Preference and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policy expansion. 

• Local Preference and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise procurement policy expansion overview, Economic Development Committee, November 2nd (3 PM)
• Accept a $1.2M grant for fire prevention at the Boy Scout Camp river bottom area in Fairmount Park, City Council, November 7 (1 PM Consent Calendar)
• Workshop on the General Fund Transfer, City Council, November 28th (6:15 PM)
• Inclusionary Housing, Planning Commission, December 7th