Midvale adopts $200,000 pilot to reimburse businesses for shelter-mitigation improvements

Midvale staff presented a plan to use $200,000 of a $3,597,026.71 Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation (HSCM) award to pilot a Business and Property Improvements Reimbursement Grant for businesses near the city’s shelter. City Manager Matt Dahl explained the program is designed to reimburse eligible businesses (first‑come, first‑served) for security improvements, fencing, lighting, damage repair attributable to transient activity and related mitigation measures; each award can reimburse up to $20,000 and the program expects to authorize up to 10 awards while funding lasts.

"This fiscal year, Midvale City (City) received $3,597,026.71, which was approved to fund the FTE for 9 Shelter Resource Officers, 0.5 victim advocate, insurance and supplies needed for these FTEs, a weekly clean-up of the 7200 S Corridor, underpass improvements on Center Street, and $200,000 to pilot a business and property improvements reimbursement program," Matt Dahl said. Staff outlined eligible improvements (security cameras, fencing, lighting, bathroom alarms, damage repair, and other mitigation measures) and the reimbursement workflow: businesses must apply, show eligibility and installation, and submit proof of purchase/payment for reimbursement. Grantees must remain in good standing and allow city inspection for two years after completion.

Council discussed whether lighting along the Jordan River Trail could qualify; staff said the program funds business-owned improvements within a half-mile radius of the shelter but cannot be used to repair or improve city-owned infrastructure. The council asked staff to proceed with the term sheet and return with implementation details and monthly updates on awarded grants.