Kissimmee Main Street funding approved after extended debate over nonprofit status and city oversight

The City Commission approved the city’s $123,326 funding agreement and a CRA contribution of $51,000 for Kissimmee Main Street for FY 2025–26 after extended discussion about governance, compensation and the organization’s relationship to city government.

Samaya Singleton, senior manager of economic development, summarized the proposed service agreement and invited Kissimmee Main Street Executive Director Diana Marrero Pinto to provide an annual update. Marrero Pinto described Main Street’s events, business consultations and marketing efforts, citing 300 contacts with downtown businesses during the year, 15 events or trainings, growing social media engagement and volunteer partnerships.

Commissioner Ortiz questioned why Main Street is not part of the city’s economic development department and asked whether the organization should operate as a city department. Staff and the presenter said Main Street is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by downtown merchants in the late 1990s, historically supported by the city and the CRA, with programmatic independence intended to make the organization a “safe place” for merchants and an advocate for downtown businesses.

Commissioners pressed for clarity on funding: the total annual support discussed was roughly $170,000, composed of a $123,326 city contribution from the general fund, $51,000 from the CRA, and an additional $25,000 from Osceola County for a part-time marketing coordinator. Staff also said the city leases Main Street’s building to the nonprofit for $1 per year. Marrero Pinto said Main Street currently pays two staff salaries from that funding and leverages volunteers and partnerships for programming.

Vice Mayor Eady asked whether commissioners preferred to cut funding, move Main Street into city payroll, or keep the current model. Marrero Pinto said there are pros and cons to both models and that the board would need to be involved in any change. The city manager and commissioners agreed to approve the agreement as proposed for the coming fiscal year, while scheduling follow-up meetings and individual briefings with Main Street leadership and the board to examine options, governance and potential amendments.

The commission approved the funding agreement for the general fund and later approved the CRA portion; both motions carried without recorded opposition.