Rates affordability Debate

Economic Benefits - Population Growth

Option 1

Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the importance of investing in Nelson's growth and development to ensure a thriving future, despite the potential for higher rates. They argue that such investments are crucial at a time when the city faces challenges with an aging population and infrastructure, highlighting the need to foster conditions that attract new generations and support economic vitality. Additionally, there is strong advocacy for maintaining and increasing funding for economic development services, which are seen as vital for attracting and supporting businesses, thereby enhancing the region's economic landscape and opportunities for growth.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
181.1	Investing in the growth and development of Nelson is important. People will complain about rates no matter what they are. Just increase them and take it on the chin, people will deal with it. If they can afford a house in Nelson, they can afford a rates increase.
773.1	With a city at the crossroads of an aging population, aging infrastructure and the need to foster the spark of investment in the next generation of Nelsonian's, now seems like the time invest and prepare for a thriving city. not just keep the lights on.
996.1	It is absolutely vital for the region that we see increased funding for Economic Development services via the team at NRDA. They provide an essential service to the region and to see this removed would be catastrophic for current and future businesses looking to be established here or move here. Fiona and the team are one of our big draw cards to investment into our business sector and seeing the region grow. As a business that has worked with the NRDA team over many years and winner of the Nelson Tasman Chamber Supreme Business award last year I can not over state how significant the NRDA has been for us.The work done in Blue Economy by the NRDA with Moananui and the work done assisting Nelson business to utilise govt funding such as Callaghan innovation and advocacy into Callaghan and other funding options with a Nelson/Tasman voice has been beyond valuable for Snap and many other companies I interact with. The work in advocacy for businesses to reloate to Nelson and the economic insight work has also been invaluable. I advocate for increased funding and to hear that there may be a reducting in funding for this essential purpose is frankly disappointing. I urge you to consider an increase to see Nelson lift it's ranking in economic development and grow with a long term vision.