Some see economic development coming in the form of big projects and attracting large firms.

Ogden City Council candidate Flor Lopez, however, sees a need to focus on those smaller businesses that are already a part of everyday life in Ogden.

“We already have great small businesses,” she said. “They need help. I can give you names of small businesses that need economic help, that needs a little more push in marketing. Those small businesses need support.”

She said she also intends to make sure those interested in starting or maintaining a small business are aware of local resources such as loans from the city and classes on entrepreneurship.

“My goal, if I’m elected, is to push more of those programs and let small businesses know,” she said. “We already have amazing things in Ogden — great partnerships, great programs — we already have everything. We need more publicity about those programs because no one knows.”

Lopez said the same goes for programs that help encourage homeownership such as the Own in Ogden program.

She said this added support for small businesses and additional housing opportunities sets the stage for larger developments to come to town.

“After we support those small businesses, which is going to create more jobs, we can start bringing in bigger businesses for Ogden,” she said.

When asked about getting other municipalities across Weber County to step up and help with the homeless population, Lopez said she has a favorite phrase that she’d ask other leaders:

“What do you need to make it happen?”

She said that she is open to finding out what other leaders need to take on a share of the solution.

“That is the way I’ve been working since I moved here,” she said. “Tell me what you need in order to make this happen. Do you want an example? Do you want people to come here and teach you how to run a program. Do you want (the city) to host the program for you for three months and then you take over? If the program is working here, they should take those programs too.”

Lopez said she believes Mayor Ben Nadolski is pushing the city in the right direction overall.

“Every time I’ve approached him, he always gives me solutions, personally,” she said. “It’s hard to be a mayor. I like to compare the community with teenagers because I have teenagers — yesterday they loved me, tomorrow, they’re going to hate me. The community is the same. He’s doing his best … I love that he’s trying to be transparent.”

She added that she feels the most important impact she can make is locally.

“I put myself out there because I think local government makes the most impactful change in our city and in our community,” she said. “I’m grateful for those who run. Someone asked me if I was planning to run after for senate or something. No way. I want to stay local because I want to make an impact on change locally.”