Downtown group seeks returned nonprofit funds and city support to chase USDA and Missouri Main Street grants

Local business owners and the farmers market manager urged the Poplar Bluff City Council on Feb. 17 to move quickly to support a newly formed nonprofit’s efforts to revive downtown and to provide letters of support for imminent grant deadlines.

Tad Long, a downtown business owner and representative of Grow Our Downtown Inc., said the new nonprofit has 501(c)(3) status, an EIN and a bank account and is prepared to manage the downtown farmers market and apply for grants. "We are prepared to oversee market operations, manage its budget, apply for grants, and coordinate future improvements," he said during the public-comment period.

Debbie Mercier, manager of the Poplar Bluff farmers market, told the council the market has grown from 31 vendors in 2020 to 56 in the most recent season and generates modest operating revenue from booth fees. Mercier said the market has relied on USDA grants in the past and noted prior SNAP participation; she urged the city to consider the market when allocating funds from the dissolved Downtown Poplar Bluff organization.

Realtor Stephanie Knappe asked the council to endorse her application to a National Association of Realtors placemaker grant (awards typically $3,500–$7,500) to pay for benches and a trash receptacle near the train depot. Council members asked for design input to ensure street furniture will be maintainable.

Council discussion focused on timing: Mercier said the USDA farmers market grant application is due Feb. 28, while the Missouri Main Street application is due by March 13. Grow Our Downtown representatives requested a city letter of support for both programs. The council agreed to provide a letter of support for the USDA farmers market grant and to study a potential transfer of funds previously held by Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc.; members discussed holding a special meeting or workshop to meet the tight deadlines.

Council members also asked the group for a more itemized plan showing how transferred funds would be spent; Grow Our Downtown representatives said they would provide more detailed estimates and said Missouri Main Street staff could be invited to a public workshop if scheduling allows.

The council reached consensus to provide the requested letter of support for the USDA grant and to consider expedited review of the fund-transfer request at or before the March 2 meeting.

Next steps: Grow Our Downtown said it would supply more detailed cost estimates and application materials; the council expects to provide the requested support letter and consider the fund-transfer item at an upcoming session.