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Hampton staff propose streamlining EDA grants, higher caps and easier application rules
Summary
Leonard Sledge recommended changes to the Economic Development Authority grant programs: simplify documentation, add eligibility for service businesses, increase maximum awards for some programs, reduce match ratios, and create an electronic portal and administrative authority to speed awards.
Leonard Sledge, chief officer for community and economic development, presented a package of proposed changes to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) grant programs intended to expand access, speed awards, and align grants with the city's strategic priorities.
Sledge said the task force recommended removing some required documentation for the Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) because FIG is a reimbursement program; proposing a hard cap of 30% with a maximum award of $15,000 (and up to 35%/$20,000 for projects that meet Main Street or other approved design standards); allowing applications submitted within 12 months of work completion; and grandfathering projects completed after July 2024. He reported that since fiscal year 2020 the EDA has awarded 29 grants totaling $509,000 and that as of January 2026 just under $1,700,000 remains available for future awards.
For retail assistance (proposed rename and expansion), staff recommended making service-oriented businesses eligible (barbershops, salons, fitness studios), keeping a 30% reimbursement rate but adding a $30,000 maximum award, and retaining the reimbursement model. For the manufacturing and innovation assistance grant, Sledge proposed reducing the required match from 2:1 to 1:1 while keeping the $10,000 cap.
On larger economic development grants, the proposal includes a $1,000,000 minimum capital-investment threshold for consideration and the removal of a strict requirement that projects be located in a master-plan area. Administratively, staff proposed replacing individualized grant agreements with standardized terms and conditions, launching an electronic grant application portal, instituting annual maximum award levels, and authorizing the chief officer to approve grants up to $5,000.
"We didn't want our programs to be an impediment," Sledge said, explaining that the recommendations are meant to make grants more accessible and timely. Council members largely signaled support while asking detailed questions about eligibility, tax compliance, and how staff would evaluate discretionary awards. Staff emphasized that eligibility does not guarantee an award and that grants would remain discretionary.
