Council backs Main Street Association funding and sets parklet allocation direction
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Summary
Council approved a $100,000 allocation to the Puyallup Main Street Association (net city cost $25,000) to support downtown investments and approved direction for allocating 10 parklets (preference up to six on Meridian, remainder off Meridian).
City Manager Steve Kirkley and community partners described how a $100,000 program administered through the Puyallup Main Street Association (PMSA) leverages additional funds to support downtown facade grants, murals, cleaning and parklet maintenance.
John Palmer, representing PMSA, told council the $100,000 allocation is structured so the city’s net cost is roughly $25,000 while the program leverages additional private and state resources to produce approximately $100,000 in downtown investment. Palmer listed typical uses including facade grants, murals, pressure washing, graffiti removal and event security.
Councilmembers expressed broad support for the program. Deputy Mayor Johnson recounted early council efforts to create the funding mechanism; Council member Gilliam praised PMSA’s role in bringing customers downtown. Finance Director Barbara Lopez said the city will review whether larger future allocations are allowable under state program rules and suggested staff follow up on whether $100,000 is the maximum available this year.
On parklets, staff reported 10 applications and asked council for direction on Meridian vs. off-Meridian placement. Council approved a motion preferring up to six parklets on Meridian, with any unallocated Meridian slots to be used elsewhere in the permitted area; staff will finalize allocation and conduct a lottery as required.
The motions to approve the PMSA allocation and the parklets direction passed by council voice votes during the March 24 meeting.
