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Downtown supporters urge council to fund Main Street Lorain; group requests $50,000 in 2025 budget
Summary
A coalition of downtown business owners and volunteers told Lorain City Council they want the city to include $50,000 for Main Street Lorain in the 2025 budget to support revitalization, beautification and a small-business grant program.
Multiple downtown business owners and nonprofit volunteers urged Lorain City Council during public comments to include $50,000 in the city budget for Main Street Lorain, saying the nonprofit leverages volunteer labor and private investment in the downtown.
“We're once again asking to be included this year and beyond in Lorain City Council's budget, at the amount of $50,000 as an investment for our nonprofit,” said Max Schafer, speaking for Main Street Lorain. Schafer listed events and cleanups the group has organized and cited marketing and beautification activity the organization has supported.
Other speakers amplified those appeals. Kelsey Jones described Main Street volunteers’ work connecting property owners with façade-rehabilitation programs and mapping vacant buildings to encourage reinvestment. “I solely support the continued investment of Main Street Lorain this year and for years to come,” Jones said.
Samantha Flores, president of Main Street Lorain, told the council the organization helps attract businesses and activate public spaces and highlighted recent openings and partnerships in downtown. Ryan Aroney, representing United Way and a downtown property owner, said Main Street helps keep downtown clean and makes events that bring new visitors possible.
Why it matters: Main Street programs are a common municipal partner for downtown revitalization. Speakers said a $50,000 appropriation would fund a beautification ambassador, small-business grants, marketing and maintenance work that volunteers and businesses cannot cover alone.
Council did not take an immediate vote on an appropriation during the public-comment portion; the topic was raised as testimony during the budget debate and will factor into upcoming budget discussions. Speakers asked for continued annual support and said they expect the nonprofit to match city investment with volunteer time and private fundraising.
The comments included specific accomplishments and requests for the 2025 budget year; no formal petition or ordinance was introduced during the meeting.
