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EDC executive director summarizes economic indicators, Sand Dollars applicants and projects
Summary
EDC Executive Director Darla presented December economic indicators, updated the board on Sand Dollars program applicants and the Art Business Incubator, and outlined follow-up work to gather economic-impact data for the marina effort.
EDC Executive Director Darla presented the executive director's activity report, which included economic indicators for December 2024 and January 2025, project updates and upcoming events.
Darla said December sales tax receipts were up 9.96% year-over-year and occupancy-tax receipts for December 2024 were smaller than an unusually large December 2023; property-tax collections for the calendar year set a record at $9,107,606. Building-permit values for December were low compared with COVID-era months but improved in January, she said.
On program work, Darla reported the Sand Dollars for Success grant round received 10 applicants (listed during the meeting) and explained that business-plan submission rates historically are about half of applicants. She said Sand Dollars has caps on award amounts (up to $10,000 for new businesses and $25,000 for existing ones, with some discretion based on application details) and that applicants may reapply for different eligible requests.
Darla also summarized activity at the Art Business Incubator (ABI): a current participant was approved to open a gallery and studio, another received an international residency, and ABI planned a fundraiser called "Aura" on April 26. The Birding and Nature Center recently hosted a well-attended winter outdoor wildlife expo, she said. Darla said staff is coordinating with the Chamber and CVB to collect economic-impact data tied to fishing tournaments to support marina advocacy.
Board members asked questions about financial reporting from the Birding Center and discussed scheduling for Sand Dollars presentations and the EDC's March meetings. Darla said she will circulate calendar invitations and follow up on requested materials.
