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Council plans new solicitation for commercial building grant program after a largely positive first cycle
Summary
Staff plans a solicitation for the Washington commercial building and property improvement grant program after an inaugural cycle that awarded roughly $240,000 across seven projects; council discussed focusing funds along high-traffic corridors and clarifying expectations for applicants.
City staff told the council on April 14 that the inaugural Washington commercial building and property improvement grant program awarded seven projects last year totaling just over $240,000, with one participant later declining and reducing the city's total expense to about $237,000.
John Oliphant said staff plans to issue a new solicitation near the end of April and give applicants a few months to prepare; the goal is to bring applications to council in July and have redevelopment agreements ready in late July or early August so projects can be completed during the construction season.
Council discussion focused on geographic emphasis and clarity of expectations. Councilmember Stevens asked that staff consider emphasizing visual improvements along Business 24 from the west to east ends, including problematic signage for closed or outdated businesses; staff noted the sign code already deems signs advertising a business that no longer exists to be code violations and that property owners may advertise a sale or lease while retaining sign faces. Several council members voiced continued support for the program and the scoring approach, and suggested clear public-facing language that submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
What happens next: staff will prepare the solicitation and return with application materials and any recommended adjustments to the scoring or eligibility language.
