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Downtown Estacada Commission seeks revitalization grant applicants, schedules Oregon Main Street self-evaluation and youth outreach
Summary
The commission authorized staff to solicit applicants for downtown revitalization grants, discussed coordination with the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) for joint funding, and scheduled work on the Oregon Main Street self-evaluation due Feb. 15; members also flagged youth engagement as a priority after a Walla Walla conference session.
The Downtown Estacada Commission voted Nov. 4 to request applicants for the city’s revitalization grant program and discussed next steps for grant outreach, Urban Renewal Agency coordination and administrative safeguards for application review.
Commission staff said the application will be a joint submission processed by the city on behalf of the applicant, and that applicants may apply jointly for URA funds and the revitalization grant as long as they comply with each program’s restrictions. Elena and staff will prepare a letter to downtown businesses inviting applications; staff also said notices can be mailed and a contact-list of downtown businesses will be used for targeted outreach.
Why it matters: Committee members noted there is substantial funding available and stressed the need to encourage eligible business owners to apply, especially for projects that can be combined into single joint applications (for example, multiple awning replacements across contiguous storefronts).
Key details and process safeguards - Joint applications: Staff noted that applicants can apply for both revitalization and URA funds; the committee will review applications and recommend applicants to the city. The URA and revitalization programs have different eligibility and restrictions. - Conflict-of-interest and ex parte guidance: Commissioners were reminded not to have substantive pre-application conversations with business owners about specific proposals. If a commissioner has a potential conflict (for example, a personal or professional relationship with an applicant), they must recuse themselves from deliberations on that application. - Outreach and selection: Staff will send an applicant-request letter to downtown businesses and will post the opportunity publicly. The DEC will review applications and choose applicants to recommend for funding.
Oregon Main Street self-evaluation and youth engagement - The commission reviewed the Oregon Main Street self-evaluation, which is due Feb. 15. Commissioners agreed to schedule a work session in January to complete the required grading and to record volunteer hours for reporting purposes. - Connie reported on a Walla Walla conference session recommending that communities hold listening sessions with youth (sixth grade and up) to learn what they want in downtown spaces and programs. The commission asked staff to add “youth participation” to the January agenda to explore next steps.
Quotes "What we do best, we do together," — Connie (after reporting on the Walla Walla conference), urging intercommittee collaboration on youth engagement.
Next steps and timing Staff will draft and send the revitalization applicant-request letter, post the application notice and prepare the application review process. Commissioners will hold a January work session to complete the Oregon Main Street self-evaluation and will report volunteer hours for the Main Street program. The commission emphasized careful adherence to recusal and ex parte rules when reviewing grant applicants.
