HRA staff outline $1.4M commercial-corridor assistance pilot, propose 17 corridors and $82,000 per corridor

St. Paul HRA staff presented a draft commercial-corridor assistance program that would allocate $1.4 million in Economic Development STAR funds to support organizations working along 17 identified business corridors, with roughly $82,000 per corridor and an emphasis on quick, flexible funding and measurable economic-development outcomes.

Director Newton and Principal Project Manager Daniella Lorenz described the proposed program as a pilot intended to provide district councils and business-support organizations with streamlined, corridor-wide funds for activities such as corridor-wide beautification, public art, planning, marketing, community events and business subgrants. Lorenz said the goal is to make the program “as simple and streamlined of a way as we can to advance economic development projects and programs on those key corridors in Saint Paul.”

Program design and eligibility - Total allocation: $1,400,000 in Economic Development STAR funds reserved by the City Council in 2024. - Proposed geographies: 17 corridors, generally following district council and ward lines; staff estimated approximately $82,000 per corridor. - Eligible applicants: identified organizations with a history of…