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Council approves three‑year economic development grant to Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative, council calls for future metrics
Summary
The City Council approved a three‑year economic development grant to the Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI) with a 4–1 vote; several council members supported the funding but asked staff to require performance metrics going forward.
The City Council voted 4–1 on April 22 to adopt Resolution 57‑2025, authorizing an economic development grant agreement with the Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI). The council approved an initial award and follow‑on funding to expand HEI programming and to evaluate performance over a three‑year pilot period.
Economic development staff explained the structure: HEI previously received smaller nonprofit operating support. The proposed agreement would provide $8,000 in the initial year in addition to prior nonprofit funding, and $10,000 for each of two subsequent years to support an entrepreneur roundtable program of about 10 sessions. Staff said the grant is intended to “test” the group’s capacity over three years and to revisit funding based on demonstrated performance.
Several council members who supported the motion praised HEI’s community work but pressed for clearer performance measures. Council Member Wiggers (motion maker on the agenda amendment earlier) and Council Member Drucker expressed concern that the agreement contained limited upfront KPIs; staff said the contract will require participant surveys, follow‑up reporting on outcomes and other programmatic feedback but did not include targets for job creation or revenue increases. Council Member Rucker (the council’s Hispanic member) strongly supported the award and urged follow‑up reporting after one year or six months.
The vote was 4–1. Mayor Scott Singer cast the lone no vote. The motion passed with a 4–1 tally.
Why it matters: The city is expanding its portfolio of small‑business and entrepreneur support to include HEI, aiming to broaden outreach into the Hispanic small‑business community. Council members signaled they expect measurable performance data in future reporting.
What’s next: Staff said it will draft reporting requirements requiring participant surveys and follow‑up information on business outcomes, and the council asked staff to return with suggested KPIs for future grant approvals.
