Doug Smith: ‘(SB1103) This is the beginning of this conversation at the state level.’

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For Doug Smith, his work as a lawyer has always been driven by the desire to make a change that brings transformation to communities by providing legal support and services that help disadvantaged communities. That is the work he is currently doing.

Smith is the Senior Director of Policy and Legal Strategy at Inclusive Action for the City, where he guides a coordinated strategy to transform unjust systems and build durable community power. Before joining Inclusive Action, Doug was the Director of Policy and Coalition Building at Public Counsel, where he led a team of movement lawyers supporting grassroots campaigns for housing and economic justice.

Now, his organization, Inclusive Action for the City, along with CAMEO, Public Counsel, Bet Tzedek, & Lawyer’s Committee, and the sponsorship of State Senator Caroline Menjivar, are pushing for the SB1103 initiative that aims to protect small business owners with in-language leases, limited fees, and extended notice periods.

On their website, they explain the reason for promoting this Bill:

“Across California, small businesses and nonprofits are being forced out of business and displaced from their communities at alarming rates. Commercial tenants have far fewer protections than residential tenants, leaving them vulnerable to rent increases, unclear and unfair lease terms, exorbitant added fees, and complex commercial lease agreements. It’s time for California to provide more protections and ensure that community-serving small businesses and nonprofits have a fighting chance to stay in business in their neighborhoods!”

This Bill is currently in its third reading in Sacramento.

“We are pleased with where it is; the fact that it has reached the State Senate and Assembly is already a success. We need to take these discussions to the rest of California. When we began exploring this issue here in Los Angeles, we realized that the problem small businesses face affects the entire state, which is why it was important to bring it to Sacramento,” says Smith.

For Smith, it is important to legislate on issues that affect underrepresented communities. Laws are one element, but community participation from merchants and politicians is also essential.

As part of the campaign that the coalition of organizations is carrying out to press for the approval of SB1103 in Sacramento, they are traveling to Sacramento to speak with legislators.

“These issues are often not discussed, so it’s important that they see us, that we talk to them, and that they understand what we do in our communities,” he says.

For this lawyer, the strength and contribution of the immigrant community to the economy are vital. That’s why it is important to establish legislation that protects and helps them.

“Our economy is better when it is inclusive,” he says.

He affirms that several landlords oppose the measure, as they see it as a threat to the control of their properties. But in his opinion, the benefits would be numerous.

“If merchants have greater protections, they will succeed. And if they succeed, they will stay longer in their premises,” he adds.

Smith mentions that when they worked in communities to understand their needs, they found how difficult it was for small businesses to navigate the system of contracts and rents.

“We brought the conversation to Senator Menjivar, who has done an exceptional job in Sacramento. We hope it is approved and becomes law,” he says.

For Smith, it is clear that there are many challenges for small businesses after the pandemic. The economy is not where it was, and society’s recovery is incomplete.

“That’s why we want to push for this type of policy. Maybe these economic problems exist now, but if we fight and push for more favorable legislation, merchants will be ready when the economy recovers. Los Angeles is an extraordinary city. The FIFA World Cup and the Olympics are coming, and we must be prepared,” he says.

“This is just the beginning. After SB1103, we will continue to push for other measures. The coalition we have built seeks to make a positive impact on these communities,” he concludes.

SIGN PETITION

It’s time to support SB1103 to protect small businesses and non-profit organizations

Caroline Menjivar:“SB1103 is deeply personal to me because I saw firsthand how my family struggled with rent increases.”