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Council presses for transparency after economic-development staff notifies businesses of facade awards; 31 grants cover $600,000 ARPA allocation
Summary
Economic-development staff told council that 86 applications produced 31 awards from a $600,000 ARPA-funded facade grant program; staff said four awards exceeded $25,000 and that some award amounts are less than applicants requested. Council asked for more documentation and moved the item to the Sept. 8 work session for further review.
Economic-development staff told the East Point City Council on Sept. 2 that the city received 86 facade-grant applications and has 31 awardees under a $600,000 ARPA-funded program, but council members voiced concerns about communication, award amounts and ward allocations.
Macio Rogers, director of economic development, said the program framework allowed the city to reimburse up to 75% of eligible façade work, with a program maximum application amount of $70,000 (the city share at 75% would be $52,500). Rogers said city staff used a scoring rubric and distributed funds by ward: $180,000 for downtown, and $105,000 for each ward A, B, C and D, with some remaining funds in Ward D to be allocated after consultation with Ward D council members.
Rogers told council that 31 awards were…
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