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EDA outlines 2026 grants, childcare incentive and Washington Street plan
Summary
Staff told the EDA April 2 that the city will coordinate sign and facade grants with Washington Street reconstruction, the City Council already approved a childcare incentive forgiving $450,000 in construction value, and staff proposed opening facade/signage grant applications in late April.
The Brainerd City Economic Development Authority on April 2 reviewed 2025 results and outlined 2026 economic development work, including coordinated sign and facade grants tied to the Washington Street reconstruction, a $450,000 construction‑value childcare incentive program, and mitigation planning to limit business impacts during street work.
James said the Planning Commission forwarded enhanced commercial signage regulations (adding a three‑dimensional element to wall signage) to City Council for final approval and that EDA had directed staff to hold sign and facade grant funds in 2025 to align with Washington Street construction in 2026. He said the EDA worked with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and Blade‑Tech on a mitigation plan to minimize business impacts during reconstruction.
Tyler, who briefed the EDA on the grants framework, said staff aims to publicize the program in mid‑April and proposed opening applications on Monday, April 20 or Monday, April 27. "These things will probably be closed within hours to be honest," Tyler said, adding that facade grants tied to Washington Street will require ordinance compliance and additional review. He said staff will provide alternatives (microloans or unified fund options) to applicants who miss grant awards.
The board discussed fairness around the first‑come, first‑serve model and the potential for a hybrid scoring approach to ensure the grants have community impact; staff said applications are timestamped and initial vetting will be conducted by staff with review by the EDA president and chair.
The EDA also discussed a childcare incentive program the City Council adopted to forgive $450,000 in construction value for commercial and home child care centers; James said outreach letters were sent to commercial child care providers and home daycares to notify them of the program.
The board did not take formal votes on grant rules at the April 2 meeting but asked staff to finalize outreach and return with implementation details.
