Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Economic development director previews revolving loan products, Main Streets program and UCEDA capacity building
Summary
Joshua Stratton Rainer updated the committee on department staffing, iPark 87 redevelopment, the county’s retooled revolving loan fund (including a $700,000 ag revolving fund and micro‑loan product), a $2 million Main Streets program and CRM rollout; he emphasized partnership with regional CDFIs and local stakeholders.
Joshua Stratton Rainer, director (and described in remarks as president/CEO of UCEDA), briefed the committee on staffing changes and a series of economic development initiatives.
Rainer said the county is preparing to relaunch its revolving loan fund with three tailored loan products, including a micro‑business loan product in the $7,500–$15,000 range to serve entrepreneurs with limited credit history. He said a separate ag‑focused revolving loan fund will be capitalized at about $700,000 and administered by a regional ag CDFI to leverage specialized experience.
Rainer also previewed an upcoming Main Streets program administered through the purchasing department and described a $2 million program on the horizon. He noted the department is implementing a new CRM to manage client referrals and is working on iPark 87 redevelopment in partnership with UCEDA and regional partners.
Rainer asked the committee to remain engaged and to forward candidate names for upcoming business services administrator vacancies. "We're really excited to offer... a micro business loan between 7,500 and 15,000," he said, describing the emphasis on flexible local financing.
In response to questions, Rainer said UCEDA will provide capacity building and that many programs will be administered in partnership with regional organizations and county departments.
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Christian Malsatzky then invited members to summer events, including a master preserver class in August that complements the food‑preservation goals discussed in the victory garden item.
Next steps: Department will circulate details on loan products, Main Streets RFPs and staffing postings as they become available.
