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Members say downtown momentum continues but EDA funding for tourism and façade work is limited
Summary
Board members praised downtown momentum and the façade program’s impact on small businesses, but Dan said the EDA trimmed design/planning funds in the draft 2026 budget and has little capacity for added tourism marketing without new funding.
Council member (speaker 4) noted recent publicity and business openings downtown and argued the EDA should invest more in tourism marketing and the façade program. Dan replied the draft 2026 budget does not include a dedicated tourism allocation beyond a small amount for maps or brochures and that the façade/design line was trimmed to balance the budget.
"The bakery used the facade program to get her signs," speaker 4 said as an example of the program's positive local impact. Dan said benches, picnic tables and plaza furniture are on order using leftover capital from the Park Street parking lot, but additional signage, banners and marketing would require prioritizing those items in the EDA budget or seeking council support.
