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DRC discusses partnering with EDC on downtown incentive programs and seeks downtown manager role
Summary
Members heard from the EDC and staff about partnering on existing incentive programs, performance-based loans and grants, a proposed downtown manager position to coordinate Main Street efforts, and plans for downtown day and a Whimsy & Wonder booth.
The Downtown Revitalization Committee on Monday discussed partnering with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) on incentive programs for downtown businesses, outreach and performance-based agreements, and a proposed downtown manager position to coordinate downtown revitalization efforts.
EDC representatives said rather than creating a separate DRC loan program, the city should leverage existing EDC programs and performance agreements that tie incentives to job creation or project milestones. The EDC representative cited past use of performance agreements (for example, Michelle's Patisserie) and described tools such as forgivable loans scaled off performance, low-rate financing for property owners, and connections to SBDC and other regional lenders.
Committee members raised concerns about eligibility and foot traffic: staff and EDC members agreed that limited foot traffic downtown has contributed to local business instability and that increasing residential development and cross-promotion of events could help. A staff member said the city intends to request one downtown manager position in the upcoming budget; that position's work would include Main Street program designation, managing façade or historic-preservation tax-credit opportunities, and coordinating grants or façade programs if council approves funding.
Public events were also covered: DRC plans a downtown day at Forest Coffee on May 10 and a Whimsy & Wonder appearance on May 17; the committee will staff a booth and display pullouts from the downtown master plan to solicit community feedback.
"One of the last ones that happened prior to me being here is Michelle's Patisserie has a performance agreement with the EDC, and they were able to construct their back property more quickly because of that," an EDC representative said, stressing the role of performance agreements in supporting downtown projects.
The committee agreed to continue coordinating with the EDC, identify downtown businesses that might apply for assistance, and return to the DRC with program details and any budget requests tied to a downtown manager.
