Coral Springs officials are making a concerted effort to make sure residents spend their money within the city.

Mayor Scott Brook recently kicked off the city’s Buy Coral Springs campaign at the Coral Square Mall. “The more you spend here, the more small businesses will be supported. Let us keep the businesses and money local. It will help us diversify our tax base. The economy is hurting; we want to make a positive impact. We don’t want you to go to Boca, Margate or other cites for your purchases.”

Brook is also in favor of giving local businesses “an iota of extra weight” when it comes to awarding work on city projects. “We shouldn’t choose somebody just because they are local, but I do want us to look a little bit harder at local businesses.”

Commissioner Tom Powers said he liked the concept.

Brook also advocated including a member of the City Commission on the city’s construction review committee. Commissioner Roy Gold, however, said he was against the idea.

“We are five different people,” Gold said. “I like the independence of the process we now have. I will be hesitant to support the idea.”