Staff proposes DDA absorb Main Street advisory duties to preserve state accreditation

Community economic development staff told the council the Main Street program has lacked a quorum for most of the year and urged the council to direct the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to assume Main Street advisory responsibilities so the city can maintain state accreditation and continue applying for related grants.

"There were two options... the option I'm recommending is that we designate the Downtown Development Authority to also serve as the Main Street advisory group," said Bridal Carter, who described committees for economic vitality, design and promotions and said the DDA would continue authority over revolving loans and façade grants. Carter said the state offered training and is supportive so long as the city demonstrates intent to meet Main Street requirements. Council members raised questions about residency and whether the 501(c)(3) functions would be preserved; staff said the nonprofit functions would remain intact and committees could include non-board volunteers to broaden participation.