Largo to be more business friendly

Over the next two months, city officials in Largo will reach out to businesses trying to learn more about their needs and concerns in working with local government.

Information collected from business owners and managers from now through May will be used to update the City of Largo's strategic plan. The city will also pursue immediate changes to permitting and development review procedures, as well as codes and regulations that affect business development.

The outreach effort is part of a new initiative by the Largo City Commission to make it one of Pinellas County's most business-friendly communities. The emphasis is on improving customer service in the areas of development review, regulation, and permitting, with a particular focus on service to small businesses.

Through April, staffers from the city's Community Development Department will speak one on one with business people during visits and phone interviews. The discussions will allow them to share their experiences working with city government and recommend improvements.

Businesses can also complete a brief online survey to share their observations and input on relations with the city. Next month, the city will hold roundtable meetings to expand upon information gleaned from the survey and interviews, and hold more in-depth discussions with business owners.

For more information on the Largo initiative and to participate in the survey, log on to http://www.largo.com/ecodev.