Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: October 26, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Interim Program Coordinator
Title
Approval of Historic Downtown Improvement Grant Program
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommend passing a motion to approve the grant program
Summary Report:
The Historic Downtown Improvement Grant program is a central component of the EDA’s adopted workplan initiative #1: Financial Assistance Overhaul. It represents a culmination of information from past programs, including the Façade Improvement Grant and the SMIF/DEED Mainstreet Redevelopment Grant. These inputs allowed staff to tailor this program to the needs of the downtown. The success of this round of the grant, though, will be evaluated in February/March, when Round 1 of the program has been awarded.
Marketing rollout for the grant will begin as soon as the grant is approved by the EDA. This will include:
- Direct outreach to priority applicants (as determined in the program guide)
- General social media push
- Partner newsletters
- Door-to-door flyer delivery and Q&A of the eligible district
- Options for press release and radio spots are being considered for scheduling
Details of the program can be found in the Program Guide and Program Steps
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Comprehensive Plan Ch. 4: Sustainable economic future
Strategic Plan: Tax Base Diversification and Growth
Alternative Options:
EDA could decline to recommend the motion to approve the grant program guidelines and criteria. EDA could direct staff to amend the program and/or approve amended program guidelines contingent on staff work.
Financial Impacts:
Round 1 is budgeted at $90,000 as per budget presented on October 26, 2026.
Tentative Timelines:
June 26, 2026 - Workplan Approved
Summer 2026 - Loan Committee work determining focus areas
September 28, 2026 - September EDA Meeting Program Discussion
October 15, 2026 - Loan Committee Final Discussion
November 2, 2026 - Round 1 Application Launched
January 31, 2027 - Round 1 Application Due Date
April 1, 2027 - Tentative Round 2 Launch