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EDC outlines candidate projects for 2026; members informally rank micro‑grants, co‑lab, directory and addressing initiatives
Summary
Colleen Salazar presented 14 proposed EDC projects for 2026 (including a signature festival, small business façade grants, micro grants, a co‑lab/co‑working space, a digital business directory and a post‑office addressing/PO box idea). Board members informally prioritized micro‑grants, co‑lab/co‑working, a digital directory and addressing work and assigned follow‑ups.
The EDC reviewed a list of 14 potential projects for 2026 and briefly discussed feasibility and likely next steps without taking final votes. Colleen Salazar introduced ideas intended to support local businesses, youth entrepreneurship and destination marketing, including:
• A signature annual festival aligned with Fiesta to showcase local businesses. • Small business façade and signage matching grants. • A broadband‑ready business district concept. • A micro‑grant program for local entrepreneurs and youth, including business education. • A Hollywood Park co‑lab/co‑working and innovation space to help incubate businesses. • A shop‑local digital directory and marketing platform. • Public art, youth sports and event tourism support. • A post‑office addressing/PO box initiative to give local businesses a commercial mailing address.
Board members discussed combining related items (for example, micro‑grants, a co‑lab and addressing/PO‑box work) and informally identified several leading candidates: micro‑grant programs, a co‑lab/co‑working space, a shop‑local digital business directory and the PO‑box/addressing initiative. Members asked staff to collect cost and feasibility data and to return with recommendations. Specific follow‑ups assigned included Ken researching addressing/PO‑box feasibility and Martha Sanchez compiling materials for a digital business directory.
The board used a simple sticker/mark‑count method during the meeting to surface priorities and agreed to take further action after staff returns with feasibility, budget estimates and any necessary intergovernmental approvals.
