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City unveils $30,000 tourism initiative grant to help nonprofits improve visitor‑facing facilities
Summary
City staff introduced a new Kingman Tourism Initiative grant offering up to $30,000 (50/50 reimbursement) to Kingman‑based nonprofits for permanent improvements that enhance tourism, with an August application window; council approved opening the first cycle with stipulation that awards be vetted and returned to council as requested.
Kingman introduced a new Tourism Initiative grant program Tuesday that will provide up to $30,000 per fiscal year in lodging‑tax (bed‑tax) funding to Kingman‑based nonprofits for permanent, visitor‑facing building and site improvements, staff said.
Program details and purpose
Economic Development staff said the Kingman Tourism Initiative is a reimbursement program (50/50 match) intended to fund building repairs, historic‑preservation work, ADA improvements, outdoor visitor amenities (benches, shaded seating, wayfinding signs) and infrastructure that supports tourism events and cultural attractions. Eligible nonprofit applicants must occupy the space they propose to improve; routine maintenance, marketing and temporary installations are ineligible.
The program will open for applications Aug. 1–31, 2025, with awards announced in October and reimbursements issued after project completion. Total annual funding available is $30,000; applicants may request up to that amount. To avoid overlap with other city programs, staff incorporated a commission recommendation that a nonprofit may not apply for this tourism grant and the city’s facade program for the same project.
Council discussion and stipulations
Vice Mayor Samley asked about oversight and suggested that larger awards be brought to council for final approval similar to other federally funded or competitive grant processes; staff agreed to include increased transparency and to return to council with any recommended adjustments to the approval path if significant awards or unusual projects are proposed.
Outcome
Council voted to open the fiscal‑year 2025–26 grant cycle on Aug. 1 with the vice mayor’s transparency stipulation included. Staff said grants will be administered jointly by Economic Development and the city’s grants coordinator; award decisions will follow a review committee process and projects will be reimbursed after completion and documentation is submitted.
