Council requests workshop, outreach after overview of urban renewal and economic development grants

Dana Pierce, economic development staff, briefed the council on Grants Pass’s suite of economic development and urban renewal grant programs, describing program purposes, eligibility, boundaries and recent awards.

Pierce said the urban renewal grant program targets building rehabilitation, a North Sixth/Seventh Street corridor beautification, blighted building removal/replacement, and underdeveloped land infrastructure. Examples cited included awards of $55,000 to the Bohemian for building rehabilitation and $50,000 awards to Dwell House and the King’s Jeweler building; the Greenfield RV Park reimbursement award of $50,000 was also described. She explained match requirements: 25% private match for private improvements and 50% match for public infrastructure, and said the URA budget recommendation for FY26 was $250,000 for awards. Pierce also described other programs: the Business Retention and Relocation Assistance grant (max $35,000, 50% match), a storefront lighting and security camera program (50% match, $1,000 max), a commercial facade program (50% match, $5,000 max on an annual cycle), and the tourism promotion grant (max $5,000, funded by lodging tax) with semiannual cycles.

Councilors asked about program boundaries, accountability for reimbursement grants (staff said grants are processed on reimbursement and staff review receipts and permits), and how to increase outreach. Staff said the industrial loan fund has been reduced by an accounting adjustment; the program will run minimally off interest until the fund balance recovers.

Council discussion focused on doing more outreach and evaluating potential changes to program match and caps. Several councilors suggested a workshop and inviting previous applicants to share experiences. The council reached consensus to direct staff to prepare a follow‑up workshop and do additional outreach to applicants and potential recipients; staff confirmed they will assemble materials and seek participants. Staff also said they will prepare an urban renewal mailer and consider targeted outreach to geographic areas near the URA boundary.

Why it matters: These small grant programs are intended to leverage private investment for downtown and corridor improvements, provide incentives for redevelopment and help attract businesses. Council requested additional outreach and a workshop so policymakers can consider adjustments, funding levels and the five‑year urban renewal implementation plan.

Next steps: Staff will schedule a workshop, pursue greater outreach (including inviting prior applicants), and return with options for any program modifications and the five‑year implementation plan.