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Saint Paul HRA opens public hearing on proposed commercial-corridor fund, seeks public input
Summary
The HRA presented a draft Commercial Corridors Fund designed to support business support organizations with rolling, year-round grants funded from Economic Development STAR dollars and solicited public comment on eligible activities, grant size and distribution to ensure equity and streamlined administration.
The Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority opened a public hearing on a proposed Commercial Corridors Fund intended to support business support organizations, district councils or other nonprofit partners to bolster neighborhood commercial corridors.
Chair Naker framed the hearing as a design-focused opportunity to gather public feedback while staff refine details. The fund would be distinct from Neighborhood Star: staff and Chair Naker said the proposed funding source is Economic Development STAR, which staff say allows non-capital expenses and is more flexible. The proposal, as presented, would operate year-round on a rolling basis, accept simple letters of intent, and require recipient organizations to sign agreements with annual reporting. Eligible activities outlined included promotions and events, streetscape and pedestrian safety improvements done in partnership with public works or parks, business grants to improve storefronts or attract tenants, and potentially building or land acquisition by business associations or cooperatives.
Commissioners and staff emphasized streamlining paperwork and avoiding reimbursement-only models, which some commissioners said deterred applicants. Commissioner Yang asked staff to consider whether rent assistance or low-interest loans should be eligible uses, particularly where construction or state-level projects (for example, MnDOT work) impose economic burdens on businesses. Public commenters urged attention to planning, equity and anti-displacement. Anne DeJoy, a former community development director, said, "Equity and anti-displacement should be the foundation of corridor reshaping." Kim O'Brien, who leads local business associations, urged funding for operational and staffing costs and said the program should allow smaller, flexible grants for marketing and promotions separate from larger building-acquisition requests.
Chair Naker and Vice Chair Johnson said staff will take the input, refine program guidelines (including suggested grant caps and eligibility lists) and return with a full proposal integrated into the HRA budget process.
