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Riverside approves one‑year pilot rewards program to boost local small businesses
Summary
The Riverside City Council unanimously approved a one‑year pilot that would give shoppers points redeemable at participating independent businesses via a private app, with a proposed prize fund up to $500,000. Council and residents pressed staff for clearer reporting, data‑privacy protections and fiscal safeguards.
Riverside’s City Council on Dec. 9 voted to approve a one‑year pilot rewards program intended to drive spending at local small businesses using a private Bluetooth/app platform.
Staff presentations led by Maran Evans, identified in the meeting as director of development, described how residents would take a photo of receipts or use an app to earn points redeemable at participating independent businesses. The city’s proposed participation criteria, staff said, would limit eligibility to independent, local shops and exclude national chains. Staff also described a prize‑pool concept of up to $500,000 for seasonal campaigns.
The pilot prompted questions from council members and callers about transparency and use of public funds. A caller identified as Jason (supporting district 1 outreach) asked how the city would verify reported sales and how the private vendor would protect consumer data. Maran Evans responded that the program “is simple for consumers and businesses” and that staff will return with reporting and eligibility criteria.
Several council members sought additional information before expanding the program. One council member pressed for independent verification of reported sales, explicit rules on which businesses qualify and a public reporting schedule so taxpayers can track city expenditures and results. A staff project manager said the pilot is “designed to motivate small shops” and that the council would receive further detail during implementation.
Council then moved to approve the pilot; a staff speaker announced the motion “passed unanimously.” The meeting record does not show a roll‑call tally in the public transcript.
What’s next: Staff will return to the council with implementation details and reporting materials, including eligibility lists, data‑privacy safeguards and accounting for the proposed prize fund.
Quote: “This program is designed to motivate our community and support small businesses,” Maran Evans said during the presentation.
