A committee member used public comment time to flag a T‑Mobile Community Grant that awards up to $50,000 for placemaking projects in communities of fewer than 50,000 people.

Why it matters: the grant could fund physical placemaking work such as improved amphitheater climate control or artist‑led public art, both projects committee members discussed as priorities for underused downtown facilities.

The commenter said the grant application is quarterly and that the next deadline is Sept. 30. They recommended calling T‑Mobile before preparing a full proposal to confirm coverage and eligibility, noting that corporate grant programs often look for projects in areas where the sponsor has network coverage or a community presence.

Committee members discussed two project ideas that could match the grant: (1) upgrading the amphitheater with air conditioning and electrical work to make it usable for summer youth programs and events; and (2) placemaking and public art for a centrally located lot called the Frost Shop lot. One committee member said prior estimates from HVAC work had run to roughly $50,000 because of required electrical upgrades.

The committee agreed to circulate the grant information to members, and the commenter said they would forward the grant details to the group and make an initial phone inquiry to T‑Mobile.

No formal committee vote or application decision took place at the meeting; the item was recorded as public comment and as an action item for committee follow‑up.