BUSINESS ISSUES
Supporting Local Business Growing Jobs and Opportunity
Christal believes
Small businesses drive progress in Kansas City, Kansas. When local owners grow, hire, and serve their neighbors, the entire city becomes stronger.
Christal’s Commitment
Christal Watson stands with the working class business owners who power Kansas City, Kansas.
She supports practical policies that help people start businesses, grow them, and build a better future for their families and their city.
Why it matters
Local businesses form the backbone of the economy.- They create jobs, provide essential services, and strengthen neighborhoods.
- From family owned shops to local manufacturers, working class entrepreneurs keep Kansas City, Kansas moving forward.
Christal Watson’s Plan for Small Business Growth
- Streamline permitting so business owners spend more time building and serving.
- Expand access to capital for small and working class business owners.
- Create targeted tax incentives that reward local hiring and reinvestment in the community.
- Strengthen business networks that connect entrepreneurs to mentors and new markets.
- Promote fair lending and expand small business grant programs that open doors for growth.
In public service, Christal has worked to:
- Secure resources for small business relief programs that helped entrepreneurs survive economic disruptions.
- Promote workforce development and job training initiatives to ensure a skilled, local talent pipeline.
- Encourage public private partnerships that revitalize downtown corridors and neighborhood commercial districts.
- Support innovation and green practices so businesses can grow sustainably and compete in the modern economy.
Challenges & Barriers
Insufficient budgets and donor fatigue
Funding gaps and delays block donor support and stall housing solutions.
Policy and regulatory hurdles
Complex zoning laws, slow permitting processes, and limited incentives can stall development and increase costs.
Land scarcity and rising costs
Suitable, affordable land is increasingly hard to secure, especially near jobs and transit.
Limited technical capacity
Many local governments and groups lack expertise in resilient, sustainable construction planning.
Community resistance and NIMBYism
Fear of change or misconceptions about affordable housing can create opposition to new developments.
Informality and data gaps
Unmapped informal settlements and incomplete records make planning and service delivery challenging.
Economic and climate shocks
Disasters, pandemics, and economic downturns hit low-income families hardest, deepening housing insecurity.
What Christal Will Do
Pilot & demonstration project
Develop innovative housing models that can be replicated and scaled across neighborhoods.
Community capacity building
Train residents in construction, maintenance, governance, and disaster preparedness to build local ownership.
Policy advocacy & legal reforms
Work with local, state, and national leaders to simplify zoning, protect renters, and secure fair financing for affordable housing.
Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate with governments, developers, financial institutions, and grassroots organizations to combine resources and expertise.
Monitoring & impact evaluation
Track outcomes like fewer evictions, better health, and higher homeownership to guide future investments.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Use storytelling, media outreach, and community forums to shift perceptions and build public support for housing initiatives.
Emergency response & transitional shelter
Provide rapid, temporary housing and assist families as they transition back into safe, permanent homes after crises.
Campaign in The News
May 29, 2025
Mayoral candidate Christal Watson hopes to revitalize Kansas City, Kansas, in more ways than one
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Augest 06, 2025
KCK mayoral candidate Christal Watson discusses winning primary election
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Augest 06, 2025
Wyandotte County voters chose 2 women to run for mayor of Kansas City, Kansas. See primary results
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