JADA OKs $575,000 spending plan, lowers minimum grant to $25,000 for redevelopment program

The JADA board on May 14 approved a plan to allocate $575,000 from its approved budget to a redevelopment investment program designed to rehabilitate blighted, derelict and underutilized facilities and infrastructure.

Staff said the program is a component of a package the board previously approved in December and includes entrepreneur grants and youth workforce elements. The plan will be administered through an online application portal and reviewed by an independent committee using criteria that weigh proximity to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and community needs such as grocery access.

Councilwoman Hiller moved to reduce the minimum award from $50,000 to $25,000 so the program would be accessible to lower-income entrepreneurs; Councilman Duncan seconded the motion. Hiller said the lower minimum was intended to “make it a $25,000 minimum, therefore, at least a $50,000 project, but not a minimum of $100,000,” so smaller local entrepreneurs could be eligible. The clerk called roll; the measure passed 6–0.

Staff described eligibility requirements including demonstration of financial capacity (for example, lender financing) and said committee weighting will favor projects that meet essential community needs or are located in areas identified by census data as lower income. Staff also said an online portal and application materials will be posted and that the program includes both entrepreneur grants and youth workforce development elements.

Board members praised staff for additional work on program details and said the plan responds to prior questions and suggestions raised at earlier meetings. The board directed staff to proceed with the $25,000 minimum and to administer awards via the online portal; staff will return with program materials and application details.