Jefferson approves $1 million TXCDBG downtown revitalization application with $50,000 match

The Jefferson City Council voted to submit a Phase 1 application for the Texas Community Development Block Grant (TXCDBG) downtown revitalization program, pursuing a $1,000,000 grant and committing to a $50,000 local match if funded.

City Secretary Melissa and consultant Wesley Traylor outlined the application timeline: Phase 1 is due April 3 with scores released in early May; if selected the city would complete Phase 2 including public hearings, engineer selection and scoping. Traylor noted that while the grant requires a minimum match (2% minimum in cash), optimizing the competitive score could involve a 5% match and that $50,000 is the match figure commonly used to maximize points. "That's a $50,000 match," Traylor said.

Eligible activities discussed included sidewalk and downtown amenity improvements, parking and park upgrades, and potential infrastructure work underlaid by sidewalks and streets. The city would select where the match dollars are allocated (construction, engineering or administration) if funded.

The council approved the application and authorized procurement procedures to hire a grant administrator if the city advances; the city will publish the required notice before the Phase 1 deadline.