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DDA begins shaping grant program to cover downtown permit and application fees
Summary
Board members directed staff to develop a pilot grant/waiver program to help downtown businesses cover permitting or application fees, with possible geographic targeting (East of I‑95 to Swinton), tiers for legacy vs. new businesses, and application controls; no vote was taken.
Board members on Jan. 12 discussed a proposed program to use DDA funds to pay permit or application fees on behalf of downtown businesses. Anthony Barber framed the proposal as a way to keep DDA dollars circulating locally: rather than handing cash to an applicant, the DDA would directly pay the city or permitting authority for fees such as conditional‑use applications or temporary event permits so funds importantly remain within the local economy.
Members debated eligibility and program design. Suggestions included prioritizing legacy businesses, limiting geographic eligibility (East of Interstate‑95 to Swinton) or creating a tiered program, establishing minimum tenure requirements to avoid subsidizing transient tenants, and designing an application process that demonstrates a clear business plan or community benefit.
No formal motion was made; staff were directed to gather more information, consult partner organizations (city CRA and downtown partners), and return with a formal proposal and budget implications for future board consideration.
