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Directors call for URA work session to tighten application, reporting and oversight
Summary
Board members urged a dedicated URA work session to update application criteria, require better reporting (receipts, inspections) and consider alternative investment approaches to remove blight and attract businesses to Main Street.
Several board members said the URA needs clearer application standards and stronger reporting requirements to ensure funds are used as intended.
One director said the board currently has "no meaningful expectations that they're handing us receipts" and urged that recipients provide documentation and undergo inspections before loan forgiveness. The director recommended defining when the two-year performance clock begins (at check issuance or project completion) and establishing timelines for spending funds.
Staff and the board agreed to schedule an URA-focused work session in August to review program rules, criteria and reporting. Board members suggested reconsidering the types of investments the URA supports and exploring incentives such as forgivable grants, targeted business recruitment, or other place-making strategies.
Directors said clearer rules and expectations will help the URA demonstrate results to the community and avoid misuse of limited funds.
