HIP Joins Sacramento Hmong Small Business Owners in Urging City Council to Reject the Repeal of the Superstore Ordinance
HIP joined with the undersigned Sacramento Hmong small businesses owners to urge Mayor Kevin Johnson and the Sacramento City Council to oppose the proposed repeal or amendment of the Superstore Ordinance. The community supported the ordinance in 1996 because it was a safeguard to ensure a healthy business climate where small businesses and the City could mitigate the negative impacts of “big-box” superstores. Specifically, we believe that the economic impact analysis (EIA) required by the Superstore Ordinance is instrumental in helping the City understand potential risks in approving superstore development projects. The existing ordinance is not a moratorium on such developments and many major cities across the country have similar requirements.
Were the Superstore Ordinance to be amended or repealed,small businesses like those owned and operated by Hmong residents would be placed at a competitive economic disadvantage. Additionally, the presence of“big box” superstores further drives down and maintains low wages in urban areas, which disproportionately impact low-income communities of color. Qualitative and quantitative research regarding the negative impact of superstore retailers is well documented—all demonstrating that without proper economic impact analysis prior to its development; the potential economic benefits from massive retailers rarely become actualized. Failure to adequately prepare for these negative consequences will harmSacramento’s current and future economic trajectory.
We also recognize that superstore developments have occurred on the fringes of the city limits, but this in and of itself does not warrant the complete repeal of the ordinance. Rather than scraping the existing ordinance, we urge the Mayor and the City Council to find more innovative solutions such as establishing regional superstore agreements that encourage regional cooperation to create a climate for thriving economic activity as opposed to an environment that incentivizes “a race to the bottom.”
HIP and small business owners from all across Sacramento urged the Mayor and City Council members to oppose any and all attempts to repeal or amend the City’s Superstore Ordinance. We are committed to helping Sacramento become more economically competitive in a fair and thoughtful manner. We hope that the Mayor and City Council will make the same commitment to our communities.
Signed,
Hmong Innovating Politics
Evangeline Xiong - Xiong Mini Market
Tony Lao - Lo Market
Bounmee Kauthuthiu - Pothong Market
Melissa Vue - Market Basket
Sandy Thor - Long Chang Market
Tawn Saephan - Samthong Market
Kong Pheng Xiong - Vinai Market
Lo Xiong - L&L Video
Benjamin Herr - B&S Market
Plia Thao
Huesue Yang