Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City moves downtown co-marketing reimbursement to 100% to improve uptake
Summary
Staff reported the downtown co-marketing grant, previously a 50/50 match, was changed by council to a 100% reimbursement while keeping the $3,000 per-business cap; staff said the change aims to increase program participation by businesses lacking start-up funds.
In the staff report, Lisa summarized findings from outreach interviews with businesses about the downtown co-marketing reimbursement grant and the main barrier to uptake: the need for upfront funds. She told the board that council approved changing the grant to a full reimbursement: “It was changed 100%,” she said.
Staff emphasized that the overall funding allocation in the Main Street budget did not change; the per-business maximum remains $3,000, but applicants no longer need to outlay double that amount and wait for reimbursement. Staff said they hope the change will broaden participation beyond the businesses that were previously able to front larger sums.
Staff will track utilization and report back on whether the 100% reimbursement increases the diversity of grant recipients. The board discussed outreach plans to make eligible businesses aware of the revised terms.
