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Uptown business group outlines events, marketing and funding shortfall for farmers market
Summary
Stacy Stahl, president of the Astoria Uptown Business Association, told the council AUBA won about $69,600 in Promote Astoria funding, paused its weekly farmers market because of a funding shortfall, and plans new events and revenue efforts including an 'Astoria Rainbow Connection' and souvenir sales.
Stacy Stahl, president of the Astoria Uptown Business Association (AUBA), briefed the council on Uptown activities and priorities, including event programming, marketing products, and a paused weekly farmers market.
Stahl said AUBA, formed in 2022, represents roughly 90 Uptown businesses and that the association received about $69,600 in Promote Astoria/TLT funding during the city's fiscal year. She described signature events (Christmas trolley, Halloween carnival) and new initiatives such as the Astoria Rainbow Connection and printed materials (a field guide, walking map and a Color Me Uptown activity book) supported in part by TLT funds.
Stahl said AUBA paused its weekly farmers market after failing to win a second round of grant support; attendance had ranged from about 150 to 300 weekly and vendor counts varied from three to 15, she said. "We only charged the vendors $30," Stahl told councilors, describing the market as intentionally affordable for participants. She said AUBA is pursuing sponsorships, donations and small product sales (stickers, activity books) to diversify revenue and make programming more sustainable.
Councilors asked about grant sources, vendor participation and coordination with ADHDA; Stahl said AUBA and ADHDA share posts and have met informally, and that AUBA hopes to increase volunteer engagement and address Uptown traffic and lighting concerns.
