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DDA approves five retention grants and two facade reimbursements to support downtown small businesses
Summary
The DDA approved five awards from a $100,000 pilot retention fund (9 applications received totaling $82,750) and final facade reimbursements for two properties at 319 and 510/512 South Washington; board discussed refining program criteria for future rounds.
The Downtown Development Authority approved five applications recommended by the marketing and business relations committee from a $100,000 pilot retention-and-recruitment fund, and also authorized final facade-reimbursement payments for two completed projects.
Staff reported nine complete retention applications totaling $82,750 and recommended funding five projects that align with the pilot's intent (operational upgrades such as kitchen equipment, outdoor dining expansion and improvements to help businesses retain or expand operations). The board discussed tightening criteria for future rounds and directed the committee to review program guidelines; one board member disclosed a potential conflict with an applicant and abstained from that vote.
Separately the board approved final facade-improvement reimbursements: $9,822.20 for 319 South Washington (a Pilates studio) and $8,739 for improvements at 510/512 South Washington. Staff confirmed both payments are within the fund balance and consistent with program rules.
Why it matters: the pilot grants and facade reimbursements are intended to keep downtown businesses operational and competitive, increase curb appeal, and support incremental capital and operational improvements. The board asked the committee to revisit eligibility and documentation rules to avoid retroactive or pre-program projects receiving funding beyond clearly defined scopes.
Next steps: staff will issue reimbursements and return to the board with suggested refinements to the pilot's eligibility criteria and process design.
