ITEM TITLE:
Work Session: Future of the Beautification Matching Grant Program and Outreach Options
SUBMITTED BY: Elise Sorum-Birk, Deputy City Clerk
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: n/a
Unencumbered Balance: n/a
Funding Source: n/a
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Beautification Matching Grant program has been active for many years, and small adjustments have been made to the application and judging criteria over time. The last major review of criteria took place with the creation of the 2023 application packet. Attached is a copy of the 2025 application packet for reference.
Concerns have been raised on issues of improvements that are seasonal in nature or removable. There has also been less participation in the 50/50 matching grant program for businesses in 2024 and 2025 despite robust advertising and outreach.
The goal of the work session is to look at the matching grant program as a whole and discuss ideas for what could be changed and how to get feedback from the business community on the program for the coming year.