Office of the City Manager
Reference: Application for “Main Street: Open for Business” Grant via DOLA
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Jane Bais DiSessa, City Manager
Prepared By: Michael Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Date Prepared: 08/09/2021
PURPOSE
To submit a grant application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to receive funding for the “Main Street: Open for Business” program in order to receive funding for downtown façade improvements
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Recognizable and Well Planned Community, Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships
BACKGROUND
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) with funding from SB21-252 is supporting efforts by local governments and regional collaborations to engage in small business relief through “Main Street: Open for Business.” This Initiative supports façade improvements and energy efficiency projects for businesses in the state’s traditional downtowns.
The program is designed to:
● increase property values and visual appeal
● increase sales and revenues in rehabilitated buildings
● reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills
● increase job retention/creation
Grants under SB21-252 are prioritized toward communities with multiple projects in their applications that will provide a catalytic ripple effect of investment in downtown districts. A total of $5.97 million is available for this general funding opportunity. Grant requests are limited to $1,000,000; projects within the application are anticipated to range between $10,000 to $150,000 per business, with an average of $50,000 per project.
Brighton EDC staff has been working with DOLA and downtown business owners to identify eligible projects and feel that a grant application in the amount of $500,000 will be sufficient to fund all of the projects (+/- 10) our businesses in downtown Brighton have expressed an interest in undertaking and can complete by the June 30th, 2022 deadline. The match requirement is 20% of the individual project costs, or possibly less with demonstrated need from the awardee (general fund balance, total fund balance, total outstanding debt, and unassigned federal funds). Match can be from the awarded entity, business owner or combination of both. Staff believes this funding match can come from the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority given this meets the intent of funds generated in the Downtown Urban Renewal Areas. Staff will be requesting this match from BURA at their August 18th regular meeting. For more information on the program, please see the attached Guidelines.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the support of the Main Street: Open for Business grant application
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
- Approve the Resolution as presented
- Deny the Resolution as presented
- Continue the item for further discussion
ATTACHMENTS
- Resolution
- Grant Application Guidelines and FAQ
- Grant Support Letter