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Council pledges $60,000 match for Decor Jobs grant application, contingent on award
Summary
The Decorah City Council voted unanimously to pledge $60,000 from sustainability funds as a match for a grant application led by Decor Jobs; the commitment is conditional on the grant being awarded.
The Decorah City Council voted unanimously to pledge $60,000 in city funding toward a grant-match for Decor Jobs, the nonprofit economic development group that purchased the former Sunflower property.
City staff said the request would support a grant application described in the meeting as a technical-assistance grant; Decor Jobs requested $60,000 toward a $100,000 match and said it would supply the remaining funds. City staff recommended any award come from the sustainability portion of electric franchise-fee revenues. Council members moved to support the commitment only if the grant application is successful.
“Right now, it’ll just be mostly for technical assistance,” said Stephanie, a representative of Decor Jobs, describing the draft scope. “It’s zoned R-3 residential. It’s a great opportunity for infill. The grant could be used for architectural cost, design costs … entering an agreement with a civil engineer to sort out access, layout and utilities.”
City staff said the grant funds would be used to clarify site layout and infrastructure needs before any development decisions. A council member noted the city would only make the $60,000 commitment if the grant is awarded, and staff confirmed the pledge would serve as the required match on a successful application.
Motion and vote: Council Member Veil moved to support the $60,000 match and to use sustainability funds; Council Member Olson seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all council members voting aye.
Why it matters: The parcel is seen by Decor Jobs and some council members as an opportunity to add residential infill and to further local economic-development objectives, including increasing childcare capacity and retaining businesses. City staff said the funding approach would not change city revenue streams and would be managed through existing sustainability-designated franchise-fee funds.
Next steps: Staff will include the pledged match in the grant application and return to council with implementation details if and when the grant is awarded.
