Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
El Cajon reports business-beautification grants funded with ARPA; city says 60 businesses received upgrades
Summary
City staff said the Business Beautification Grant program began with $500,000 in ARPA funds, drew $1.7 million in requests, and was increased by the council to about $1,000,000. Staff said 60 businesses received 75 grants and most work was completed by December 2024; council received the report unanimously.
Marketing and Engagement Manager Chris Berg briefed the El Cajon City Council on May 27 on the city’s Business Beautification Grant program, which used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help local businesses repair signs, paint facades and fix windows.
Berg said the city initially allocated $500,000 from ARPA in January 2024, launched the program in February and received roughly $1.7 million in requests from businesses. Council then increased funding, doubling the original allocation to about $1,000,000 and provided a prioritization matrix so staff could distribute awards.
“Almost all were completed by December of last year,” Berg said, adding that 60 businesses were served through 75 grants (some businesses applied for multiple grant components). He reported the sign grant was the largest category, with more than $700,000 allocated to signage projects.
Several business owners and nonprofit leaders praised the program during public comment. Linda Baltudano, president of the East County Art Association, said the grant allowed her gallery to install a new sign and mural. Molly Cromwiede, owner of Camp Renamut, said a sign grant “was beyond our expectations” and helped customers identify the business after a move. Councilmembers thanked staff and said the program yielded visible improvements on Main Street and in other commercial corridors.
Councilmember Steve Goble moved to receive the report; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Key details provided by staff: - Initial allocation: $500,000 from ARPA (January 2024). - Total requests received: approximately $1,700,000. - Council increased funding to roughly $1,000,000 and gave staff prioritization guidance. - Businesses served: 60 businesses with 75 grants. - Largest category: sign grants (more than $700,000). - Outstanding items: two grants awaiting permits; staff reported the program would have a zero balance once those are completed.
What happens next: No further council action was required; staff will monitor the two outstanding permit-dependent grants and finalize closeout paperwork.
