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Midvale reports nearly $200,000 in security reimbursements to businesses near shelter; staff seeks statewide model
Summary
City staff reported results of a pilot reimbursement program that gave up to $20,000 to local businesses impacted by proximity to a shelter; staff says 10 grants were funded and follow-up showed increased business engagement with city programs.
City staff told the Midvale City Council on June 17 that a pilot security and safety improvement reimbursement program distributed nearly $200,000 to nearby businesses affected by hosting a shelter.
Aaron (last name not specified in the presentation) said the program reimbursed hardware and security improvements — including cameras, lighting, fencing and bathroom fixes — for 10 businesses at up to $20,000 each. The city had reimbursed nine recipients and was awaiting final receipts from the last applicant.
“This program was really rewarding,” Aaron said, noting the pilot was believed to be the first of its kind in the state and that at least 15 additional businesses had expressed interest after seeing the initial participants. Aaron said several businesses reengaged with city programs, joined mural or public-art efforts, and participated in a “safe cam” program allowing police limited access to footage for investigations.
Mayor Gettle and council members praised the program’s outcomes. Council members described individual stories of businesses using the grants to improve safety and to reconnect with community partners including the family resource center.
Aaron said he will present the program to the state board for homeless services in the hope of making a statewide program available to other jurisdictions and of securing additional grant funding to assist more businesses.
The presentation was informational; no council action was required.
