Council approves $50,000 ARPA pilot with Jessup University for downtown innovation hub
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Summary
Council authorized a one‑year pilot partnership with Jessup University to activate Old City Hall’s 2nd floor as a downtown innovation hub, approved a $50,000 ARPA allocation and agreed to provide rent‑free space for year one to host student‑led projects, workshops and mentoring for local businesses.
The City Council on Nov. 18 approved a one‑year downtown innovation hub pilot in partnership with Jessup University, using $50,000 in remaining ARPA funds and rent‑free occupancy of the second floor of Old City Hall for the first year.
Staff presented the pilot’s goals: activate an underused civic asset, support entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, create applied‑learning opportunities for graduate students, and provide mentoring and workshops for area businesses. Under the proposal, Jessup University would provide faculty and students to run applied projects and workshops; the city would serve on a steering committee, provide promotional help and offer space rent‑free for the pilot year. Projected first‑year outcomes included more than 100 graduate student engagements, at least 15 businesses supported through mentoring and workshops, and multiple community events downtown.
Council members asked about timing and long‑term funding. Staff said the pilot would stand up in the first quarter and workshops would begin in spring; the $50,000 would be allocated as start‑up funding for materials, workshops and modest space outfitting. Council voted to approve the partnership and the ARPA allocation.
Next steps: staff and Jessup University will form a steering committee, identify workshop topics and start community outreach; staff will report back on pilot progress and any funding needs beyond the one‑year period.