Community & Economic Development Commission asks Sunnyside council for $50,000 to implement Roger Brooks recommendations

The Community & Economic Development Commission asked the Sunnyside City Council Nov. 10 to consider a $50,000 funding request to implement portions of a 2019 Roger Brooks study, including wayfinding signage, beautification awards and small business training.

Britney Byam, chair of the commission, told council the $50,000 request would support projects to strengthen the local economy and enhance downtown appearance: "We are respectfully requesting $50,000 in funding to assist in implementing projects such as wayfinding, signage improvements, beautification awards, small business education classes, and additional initiatives that promote community pride and economic growth." She said the commission is flexible on funding sources and open to partnership suggestions.

Councilors generally welcomed the proposals but asked for line‑item cost estimates before committing funds during budget deliberations. Councilor Hancock and others also requested a consolidated report on the revolving loan fund (originally seeded with ARPA money) that shows repayments and fund status; staff said the data has recently been recovered and will be sent to council for review. Council and commission members discussed whether some sign work could be done in‑house by public works to reduce costs.

The commission’s request will be considered during upcoming budget hearings; staff and the commission will provide budget estimates and repayment reports as the council finalizes priorities.