Finance Committee approves community funding grants for Skagway Development Corporation

The Finance Committee voted to approve four community funding grants submitted by the Skagway Development Corporation (SDC) and its Community Development Services (CDS) arm.

Heather, the municipality's treasurer, confirmed that awarded funds must be spent or obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and that recipients must submit final reports by Jan. 31, 2025. Committee members pressed for clarity about program budgets, payroll and reporting breakdowns; Heather said each application packet includes a program budget and a one-page cover sheet showing whether an application meets the resolution's eligibility criteria.

Eliza Russell, SDC director, described the four applications: a marketing and 'Made in Skagway' program to support local artisans, a catalyst program (a staff-embedded community catalyst/program manager funded jointly with regional partners), a fiscal-sponsorship sustainability request, and a capacity-building request. Russell said some program expenses have already been incurred and that the SDC keeps records and will report against program budgets. She said the catalyst position had prior funding from the Sustainable Southeast Partnership and other regional sources.

Chair moved and the committee voted to approve the SDC and CDS grant requests; the motion included all four applications and passed by voice vote. Members asked staff to ensure recipients comply with reporting requirements and to follow the allocation criteria in the municipal resolution.

Next steps: Staff will track expenditures and expect recipient reports in January; unspent funds must be returned to the municipality.