The Economic and Workforce Development Committee voted Nov. 10 to continue the Revitalize SA corridor leadership program and to authorize the department to execute a contract with Main Street America for administration work.

Alfred Brewer, assistant director for economic development, told the committee that the two‑year pilot launched with $1 million in ARPA funding, ran two cohorts and provided $10,000 change grants that supported murals, signage, small festivals and storefront activation. "We launched the pilot program of Revitalize SA. It was a program funded by $1,000,000 of ARPA funds," Brewer said. He reported 32 total participants across the two cohorts, with 22 participants advancing projects; staff said participating corridors represent more than 3,000 businesses.

Why it matters: staff recommended a scaled continuation with a $500,000 budget, a cohort of about 15 participants, reduced change grants of $5,000 each and more direct engagement with city departments. Brewer recommended a $245,000 contract with Main Street America to administer training and grant distribution and emphasized a focus on Main Street's Four‑Point approach (economic vitality, design, promotion and organization) and a resiliency session in partnership with the city's Resiliency and Sustainability department and Resilient Cities Catalyst.

Councilmembers praised the program's community‑driven model. "This has been the facilitator of bringing and convening neighbors," said Councilman Castillo, noting that the program helps organize neighborhood associations and can surface needed infrastructure improvements. Members asked for clearer tracking of long‑term metrics (property values, crime rates, business survivability) and discussed outreach and marketing to boost participation in future cohorts.

Staff said the $5,000 change grant is intended as a short, tactical fund for placemaking tests and that they will increase cohort engagement days with city departments so participants can learn about other resources (for example, Ready to Work). Brewer asked the committee to approve execution of a contract with Main Street America for $245,000 to deliver the program; the committee voted to approve the recommendation by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: the committee unanimously approved (voice vote) the continuation of the Revitalize SA corridor leadership program and the contract recommendation with Main Street America. The committee earlier approved the meeting minutes by voice vote.

Ending note: staff will proceed with contracting and cohort recruitment and said they will return with project showcases at program graduation.