The Johnson County Board of Supervisors convened on December 18, 2024, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing community resources. The meeting primarily focused on the development of a grant-making program designed to assist small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session began with an introduction from Maurice Davis, the newly appointed executive director of South of 6 Mid, who is leading the initiative. Davis highlighted the collaborative efforts among various organizations to create a successful grant program. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and support for small business owners, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the grant application process.

Ellie Moore, vice president of community outreach and engagement at the Community Foundation, provided an overview of the grant process. The program will award grants ranging from $3,500 to $20,000 to eligible businesses in Johnson County. These grants are intended for operational support and storefront improvements, specifically targeting businesses that have faced financial hardship due to the pandemic or are located in qualified census tracts.

Moore outlined the application timeline, noting that the first round of applications will open on January 1 and close on January 31, 2025. The review process will take place in February and March, with grant awards expected to be announced in April. The application process is designed to be accessible, utilizing an online portal to streamline submissions and reduce barriers for applicants.

Davis further elaborated on outreach efforts to ensure that potential applicants are informed and supported throughout the process. Weekly sessions will be held to provide technical assistance, and one-on-one support will be available for those needing additional help. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where all eligible businesses can successfully apply for funding.

Evan Doyle, program manager of community and economic development with Greater Iowa City, discussed the importance of program evaluation to measure the success of the grants. He outlined a three-phase evaluation process focusing on awareness, application metrics, and post-grant impact assessments.

The meeting also touched on a letter of support for Johnson County's application to the Iowa Tree Planting Grant, aimed at enhancing local green spaces through tree planting initiatives. The board expressed enthusiasm for the project, which will involve planting approximately 50 trees across various county facilities.

Lastly, the board reviewed a proposal to switch the county's employee assistance program to Covenant Workspace Solutions, citing previous dissatisfaction with the current provider. The new program promises to offer more counseling sessions and additional services, such as life coaching, to better meet employee needs.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Johnson County's commitment to fostering small business growth and enhancing community resources through collaborative efforts and targeted support initiatives. The board looks forward to the implementation of these programs and their potential positive impact on the local economy.