The Grants Pass City Council voted to provide $50,000 in seed funding for Main Street Grants Pass, a newly forming downtown nonprofit intended to support events, promotion and coordination for the downtown commercial district.

Dana Pierce, economic development staff, presented the request to council. Pierce said the original ask had been a three‑year stepped commitment ( $100,000 first year, $90,000 second year, $80,000 third year) and that the City Council had previously supported a single $100,000 payment at a Sept. 15 workshop. Pierce noted the city proposed revenue sources and that the funds would primarily be used “to hire a full time executive director and part time support staff.”

A broad set of downtown business owners, property owners and consultants spoke in favor of the Main Street program during the meeting’s public comment period. Jason Schneider, a consultant who worked on the downtown road map, said the program aims to “convene stakeholders” and cited national Main Street program metrics in support. Several small business owners and downtown property owners described local benefits and urged council to seed the organization.

Councilors debated whether the organization should begin with full staffing and city funds or be funded more modestly while private membership grows. Councilors voiced support for the concept and urged stronger private membership participation; several said they wanted to see downtown merchants step up with dues. In discussion, several councilors expressed concern about using tourism promotion funds for staffing because tourism revenue rules require promotion that leads to overnight visitors more than 50 miles away.

Councilor Indra moved to fund Main Street Grants Pass for one year at $50,000, with $40,000 taken from the general lands and buildings capital project fund and $10,000 from the general fund for economic development; the motion passed following roll call. The council chair recused from the vote, citing role as chair of the Main Street board.

Sponsor and volunteer leaders said the funding is seed money and that the group intends to pursue membership growth and additional event revenues so the organization becomes less reliant on city funding. Council asked staff to return with reporting and performance metrics required for future funding decisions.