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EDA removes façade priority map, sets $24,999 cap for grants
Summary
The Cottage Grove EDA voted to remove a priority map from its facade improvement program and to clarify the maximum award as $24,999 (below the business-subsidy threshold), a change intended to encourage more commercial applicants.
At its April 14 meeting the Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority approved changes to the façade improvement program that remove a previously used priority map and clarify the total project award cap as $24,999.
Nate, community development staff, told the board the program—started in 2019—has supported 12 projects totaling $284,000 in grant awards. He said the priority map has become, in his view, "more of a barrier" for interested businesses and recommended removing it so eligible commercial properties can apply regardless of map area. Nate also recommended stating the maximum award as $24,999 rather than advertising $25,000, noting the cap keeps awards below the business-subsidy reporting threshold.
Board members pressed for clarity on budget and prioritization. EDA member Kambata raised whether removing the map would increase demand and asked about an annual budget; Nate said the board set a $50,000 budget for 2026 and that awarding the current pipeline project could use the year's allocation. Board members discussed using zones as a prioritization factor (rather than an eligibility gate) and whether the program should move from rolling applications to fixed deadlines if applications increase.
The EDA moved to adopt the guideline changes; Kambata made the motion, Cheetah seconded it, and the motion carried on a voice vote.
What changed: the priority map will no longer be a strict eligibility barrier and the maximum grant is now explicitly capped at $24,999 to avoid triggering business subsidy reporting requirements. Staff can still recommend deadline or prioritization adjustments later if application volume rises.
Next steps: staff will continue to accept and review applications under the revised criteria and the board may amend the 2026 budget or adopt application deadlines if demand increases.
