While big corporations line up for city subsidies which can run into tens of millions of dollars each – and TIFs devote just half of 1 percent to local businesses –120 neighborhood economic development groups support thousands of small businesses through a city program which totals just $6.4 million.

That program, supporting local chambers of commerce and industrial retention efforts, has been trimmed steadily for years, and this year the city has chosen it for heavy budget cuts.

A group of aldermen is objecting, and their resolution is on the agenda of Monday’s budget committee hearing.  Details at Newstips.org.