Since taking office eight months ago Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman says he’s focused on doing everything possible to support the city’s small businesses as well as its major economic engines, like the Air Force Reserve Base.
As a lifelong resident he’s also been focused on beautifying the city, expanding parks and improving landscaping, to give residents a sense of pride in their town.
Though he said Homestead’s small businesses have received little help from the federal government, the city’s been focused on making life for those businesses a little easier.
“There are people that used to wait weeks to get their business license. They get it in days now and that's what helps them,” Mr. Bateman said.
The city also gives preference to local businesses that bid on city work and amended the signage ordinance to allow retails to place larger advertisements on and around their buildings.
Mr. Bateman discussed some of his recent work and long-term goals, such as continually improving education, at Homestead City Hall with Miami Today staff writer Zachary S. Fagenson.