Councilmember Peter Brown Discusses His Ideas to Strengthen Houston’s International Business Ties

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

At a forum hosted by the South Asian Chamber of Commerce, Council Member Peter Brown laid out his ideas to increase Houston’s international business ties.

While other candidates argued over details of the City budget, Brown laid out clear steps Houston should take to grow its tax base and provide new jobs for its citizens by attracting international companies to Houston.

He stressed the importance of a light rail connection between Hillcroft, a center of commerce for the South Asian community in Houston, and the International District, a well developed Asian center of commerce. The Hillcroft transit center, which Brown helped design, was built to accommodate rail.
Council Member Brown also said he would create an Office of Economic Development if elected Mayor. This office would identify target sectors and companies to aggressively market Houston as a location for their businesses.

Brown also called for a 6-year business plan for the City of Houston. “You wouldn’t want to invest in a 3.8 billion dollar business without a business plan would you?” he asked an audience member. “Well that’s too bad, you already are.” Such a plan would allow the City to coordinate infrastructure spending with the pattern of growth in the City, for example.

“I enjoyed the chance to discuss these important issues with my fellow candidates,” said Brown after the event. “I especially want to thank the South Asian Chamber of Commerce for hosting such a well organized and thoughtful forum.”