The 2021 Mayoral election on 6th May will set Bristol’s objectives for the next four years at a time when the city is facing very significant challenges as a result of COVID-19.
The Elected Mayor of Bristol is a key position within the city and the candidate elected must step up to the plate to address the following 8 key challenges that our city’s businesses face to spur recovery and facilitate sustainable and inclusive growth.
Challenge #1 Economic Recovery and Growth
The Mayor must continue to work in partnership with businesses and communities with an ambitious vision and plan for recovery.
Challenge #2 Regional, National and International Leadership
It is vital to maintain Bristol’s links to established trade markets and forge new ones with growth markets and the city needs an outstanding and outward looking leader to achieve this.
Challenge #3 Climate Change
In recent years Bristol has led efforts to fight climate change. The next Mayor needs to commit to delivering on our 2030 carbon neutrality target.
Challenge #4 Delivering the Housing Bristol needs
Bristol is one of the least affordable cities in the UK when measured against average local salaries. The Mayor needs to continue to prioritise redressing this balance so that sufficient numbers of new homes get built.
Challenge #5 Getting our Infrastructure Right
A thriving economy requires effective transport and digital infrastructure. The Mayor needs to transform Bristol from being one of the most congested cities in the UK to being one of the best connected.
Challenge #6 Skills & Education Accessible to All
Businesses continue to tell us that they find it difficult to attract people with the rights skills, preparedness and attitudes for the local labour market.
Challenge #7 Culture, Sport and Quality of Place
Bristol is regularly voted as one of the best places to live and visit in the UK, and our world class culture, arts and festival scene are a key driver behind this. The COVID-19 crisis has had a disproportionate impact on these industries and the next Mayor should be a key champion for its recovery.
Challenge #8 The Next Phase of City Growth
The city’s central shopping area needs further investment with major changes in retailing, and other areas of the city, including Castle Park and South Bristol, could also be transformed through ambitious interventions led by the Mayor.
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