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Cottage Grove EDA approves façade grants for two businesses, pauses new applications until 2027
Summary
The Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority approved façade improvement grants for two local businesses — up to $24,999 and $3,276 respectively — and directed staff to hold new façade applications until 2027 to allow additional funding to accrue.
The Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority on May 12 approved two façade improvement awards intended to support business appearance and downtown vitality and directed staff to hold new applications until 2027 when more funds are expected to be available.
Nate, who presented the community development update, said the City’s façade improvement program (launched in 2019) reimburses eligible exterior improvements at a 50% match and is intended to “beautify buildings and increase consumer awareness.” He told the board the first application before the EDA was eligible for the program’s maximum grant of $24,999.
During questions, EDA member Cheetah asked whether the program budget can support two awards annually. Staff said the current budgeted amount for the program is about $50,000 and any shortfall would be covered from EDA fund balance; staff reported the year-end EDA fund balance totaled $137,000. The board voted to award the larger grant to the project listed in the motion as Yogi Cottage Grove LLC for up to $24,999.
The EDA then considered a second application from Voltus Holdings LLC, a medtech company converting space for entrepreneurial clean rooms. Staff estimated eligible project costs for that site and calculated a maximum award under program rules of about $3,276. The board approved that award.
After approving both awards, the EDA approved a separate motion directing staff to hold any additional façade program applications until 2027, when members expect additional funding to be available. The two awards were approved by voice votes during the meeting.
What happens next: Staff will issue award letters and process reimbursements consistent with program rules; the directive to hold new applications will pause intake until fiscal 2027.
