Karece's Platform
Taxation & Economic Balance
Clearfield’s future depends on balanced economic growth, not just more houses but smartly managed commercial development. By supporting small businesses through regulation review, we can grow our tax base, improve services, and alleviate pressure on homeowners.
Supporting Small Business to Support Residents
In 2018, Clearfield ranked 6th in America according to Wallethub as being one of the most business-friendly small cities, but today it is ranked 108th. This downward shift signals that we’ve fallen behind and that we must act to rebuild our business climate
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-small-cities-to-start-a-business/20180
(2025 rankings)
When small businesses falter, so does our local tax base. These businesses generate vital sales and property tax revenue that underwrites essential services, helping to freeze or lower taxes for homeowners.
The solution is to explore responsible deregulation, where we remove outdated or burdensome business regulations while maintaining safety and standards. This would lower costs for entrepreneurs, encourage new ventures, and restore commercial tax stability, providing breathing room for resident tax relief.
The Pitfalls of a Housing-Only Focus
Clearfield's policy discussions often focus nearly exclusively on housing development. But residential growth alone, especially when residential property is taxed at a lower rate than commercial, can skew the burden onto homeowners.
High-growth housing pressures city services without delivering equivalent tax benefit. Meanwhile, commercial development adds a property component that is valued at a 100% of its use so this revenue can reduce the burden on residents.
We must balance growth, since the inception of the downtown redevelopment and Transit Orientated housing that is coming online. We must be more responsible with growth, while also safeguarding land for thriving commercial zones to bolster our tax base.
Why a Pro-Business Outlook Matters
Across Utah, cities like St. George, Layton, and Logan consistently rank among the best environments for small businesses thanks to favorable tax rates, steady growth, and lean regulations (ksl.com, laytonecon.org).
If Clearfield wants to reclaim a spot among Utah’s most business-friendly communities, we need to modernize our permitting and fees, reduce red tape without compromising safety or fairness, and support local entrepreneurs to generate jobs, sales, and property taxes.
More businesses mean more revenue, and that revenue can ease the tax load on families.
A central part of my vision is deregulating enough to encourage a vibrant business corridor filled with varied restaurants and shops that celebrates anyone who wants to contribute to Clearfield. Whether its German, French, Dutch, Russian, South American, Mexican, Chinese, or Ethiopian food (a personal favorite of mine). The American Dream belongs to all Americans, regardless of race, sex, or nationality, and our community should reflect that unity. That’s why I believe deregulation is key because it opens doors for entrepreneurs, creates jobs, and generates revenue that benefits us all.
A Council Call: Study the Cost of Regulation
As a current Clearfield City Council member, I feel we must commission a comprehensive study on the cost of business regulation in our city. This study should pinpoint which permits, fees, or codes act as deterrents to small business growth, distinguish between essential regulations and outdated ones, and propose reforms or streamlined processes with data-backed recommendations.
This effort will help us restore a competitive environment, encouraging economic activity that funds services and reduces residential tax strain.
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