Council agrees to open economic‑development grant cycle; staff to return with budget amendment options

City staff told the Duval City Council on Jan. 7 about planned downtown improvements — two murals and a small performance shelter at Depot Park — and proposed re‑opening an economic development and tourism grants program. The council signaled support for opening the application window but instructed staff that any awards would require a subsequent budget amendment.

Why it matters: Small grants and sponsorships can fund seasonal events, marketing and other tourism activities; larger capital items or banner‑pole projects carry significant price tags and require explicit budgeting.

What staff reported

- Murals and arts grants: The city has selected artwork for two murals (the Duval Market mural and a “First in Virginia” mural) and staff expect installation in spring weather. Staff also reported pending grant invoicing for earlier 2024 awards.

- Depot Park stage: The city has budgeted $15,000 to build a small covered stage/shelter and increase power capacity at the south Depot Park site to support amplified performances.

- Banner poles: A recent procurement for larger banner poles on Big Rock Road came back much higher than estimates (approximately $160,000), so staff proposed a smaller, lower‑cost banner program; individual small pole assemblies were budgeted at roughly $25,100 each.

- Grants policy and funding: Staff proposed re‑opening the Economic Development & Tourism Grant Program to non‑profit applicants and asked council whether to accept proposals this cycle. No grant awards were pre‑funded in the current biennial budget; council supported opening applications but council members were clear that awarding any grants would require a budget amendment to appropriate funds.

- Donations implementation: The city administration recommended implementing its existing 2013 donation policy by publishing a donation form and flyer, enabling in‑person donations and receipt tracking. Council supported moving forward with an implementing form and suggested staff return with a simple electronic payment option in the future.

Council direction and next steps

Council gave direction to open the grant application period, review submissions through the usual subcommittee process and return for any required budget amendments before distributing funds. Staff will also finalize a donation form, post it online and explore secure electronic payment options so residents and businesses can contribute to city events and programming.

Funding note: Staff reported approximately $90,000 in uncommitted general‑fund reserves that had been set aside for banner‑pole work but reverted to the general fund when the larger project costs exceeded estimates; awarding grants will require identifying funds or a budget amendment before grant agreements are executed.