The goal If able to hear. I'm an authority to order roll. Call, please. The week air. Toast here. Kim. Yang here. Chair Johnson. It's remote and we have 6 present what ifs in that band. Commissioner Kemp. Item number one is approval of the minutes. My and 26 Dash 10 approval of the FEBRUARY 2026, a jury meeting minutes. So I will take motion from Councilmember Coleman to approve minutes. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote us? She's at absent maker. I I, Jerry Jones And chair Johnson. 6 in favor, 0 pose resolute or the minutes are adopted. I'm number 2 is a staff report sr. 26 dash. 33 safe. All. Commercial corridors update
program. Good Lutz. Wonderful. So this is a presentation about our commercial corridors program. Welcome, Daniel, the rents to this presentation. Welcome. Good afternoon, everybody. Vice Chair Joe said, I'm only and economic development supervisor on the pdt him and talking about the cmmercial corridor program recommended changes and you all saw my colleague any the presentation about about a month ago. There's discussion at that meeting. Some suggestions for changes that we've updated. So that is what you are seeing today for consideration. So first, overview of those guideline changes will go through these quickly. If there are very specific questions. Let me know the first 2 are related to geographic changes along these
corridors. The first one was just extending the corridors for a couple of hundreds of couple of the corridors. He's made logical sense. They're all contiguous commercial areas that didn't have a substantial amount of non commercial land along them. And this is something that we heard feedback from the organization's been working to serve a deposit for second. Could otc bring Councilmember Johnson back up on the middle screen? That's inside the dias. I think we're supposed to be able to see her. When remotely participate, bank and then the but the presentation of the other 2 streets. Thank you so much, Paula. Just you know, all right. You can start from the top. So again, the first 2
changes or bullet points on this list are related to geography is the first one is extending the boundaries of 4 of the corridors to account for some adjacent commercial areas. Organizations who have been selected to work those corridors suggested this is one or 2 blocks in a couple of different directions for each of the U.S. Also related to a geographic change. We actually removed the Smith Corridor, which is on the West side. It is considered a micro corridor with our new analysis, meaning that there is not a lot of businesses. It's a pretty shortly. So we worked with Wesco whose organization that works on that. Those corridors to consider removing that we do have. And this is related to the next guideline that will allow for flexibility for staff 3 things on a
case-by-case basis. Primarily related to geography because we've got so many of these corridors that have. Kind of notes that don't directly link to the substantial crridor that the organizations are still seeing the benefit and working in those areas are concentrating some of those funds. So that's really what that guideline changes to allow. Some the flexibility allows us to do so to be responsive to the organizations require needs of the community, which is one the big goals of this program. Well, also not just extending these corridors for miles and miles and miles away. Just doesn't make a lot of sense. We are changing the name of the commercial corridors program. Not much else to say there. Thank you for the And at the we have some more in-depth information about. But really the first one is related to a word size reflecting additional
variables. What we heard both from this body, but also the organizations who are doing work is that the way that we're doing before we used to block vigil? It didn't account for all of the different ways that we can think about commercial vitality, a commercial corridor and opportunities along the corridors and then finally some discussion around how we are looking at funding operating expenses. Through this part, progress. So first, this is related to the award size index. So originally what we were doing with the corridors as we had a really want We said you are either a a c p run area, concentrated poverty or you are not. The problem with that is it is it is and it all it did was give us to kind of
award levels, didn't take into account the size of the corridor didn't take into account a number of businesses. Employees are really kind of the opportunities that a quarter might have to continue to grow and expand. So as a result, we created index that considers these 4 major areas. One would be density of businesses. So that's the number of businesses along the corridor defy did, but the linear square feet. And then a look at Bob to make sure that I said that right? Okay. Awesome. Same with employees. The number of employees along the corridor divided by Linear Square feet of that corridor presented percentage of commercial land use along the corridor. Whether or not it is being used by a business at the time doesn't matter. Just this is a link or a look at what could happen along entire
corridor and basically how it what that looks like from news perspective. And then density of vacant buildings and injury properties that are ready to the quarter. If was a maximum score of 25, I can get more in depth than that. If you would like to. But I think generally what we're looking at here is a much more nuanced tool that allows us to take into account and number of different factors that could tell us this quarter is that a lot of opportunity here, maybe it's got some challenges, which would indicate that it would potentially need additional worse. So the award sizes, we are also considering the use of qualified census tracks for says the area of concentrated poverty, the real reason for as a measure of
underinvestment. Most of our partner organizations Met Council, even included. We don't use area of concentrated poverty more. We use qualified census tracks. So that's just so we're in alignment. Places with measure, a lot of the same socioeconomic. And investment that tracks. We have a two-part test essentially now. So the court actually in the just go right to next one. So we both use the index score and then we decide whether or not is a qualified census tract. And that gets us our new awards sizes. So these are from descending order. So the top would be they got below 50. And their index score and they're not qualified census tract. The next level would
be they got above 50 on their index score. Another still below 50 excuse me, but they are in a qualified census tracts. Then there is they are at 50 or they're above 50 on the index score, but they are not in an end to qualified Census tract. And then they are both in a qualified census tract and got more than 50. A lot of detail and happy to pass or we've got questions before we move on. questions is a thanks chair. Not a question as much as thank you as one of the people who I think front of the complexity of last time we talked about but couldn't imagine that a solution would be. I think you've done a beautiful job. Balancing size, dense the length of the quarter number of businesses the equity considerations. So at so thanks for Davis. Worse to come? Yeah, I have a question density businesses. How is term? And so I only ask
because Rice tree has a lot of vacant buildings. So is it like existing buildings where businesses can be yours that actually existing business is us. So then city is measuring actually operating businesses at the time. So it's number of businesses and divided by the total length of the corridor. But we would add on to that in the case of you're right up, street is measuring the vacant land of the vacant buildings. That right bombs. can. You can come up here if yu but no, so much more about this index. And I don't I thought I know that. It's right. Spalding. I expect to be up here, thank so that we don't measure what we don't have data on almost impossible to get to see wide-scale individual vacant
retail spaces, which I think commissioner came what you were kind alluding We can get to vacant land because area status for that. Only way get there is no data set that sort of looks that they can we school spaces in a consistent way and so that unfortunately, is not included in that. But we do. I'm trying to sort of have a balance here of. Capturing both the intensity of current use, but also sort from equitable development lands. What is unrealized untapped potential as much as we could with resources that were available. S hopefully that you can into question it's an imperfect answer, but the best we can do. Yeah, Iguess I'm Ali Reid because I think about where resources are going, you know, it's much more established for says there's a ton of opportunity to build out.
Much more commercial corridor front for re streets and the density in place. We have a lot smaller like mom and pop owned businesses that are going to have naturally fewer employees and the majority of them going on some to start asking the question. If you like, I get that, you know, everyone, all of these ideas are incredibly worthy. And for some the opportunity index, I think is different than areas that have very established very few. They can't businesses. And so as I think about utilizing dollars to expand the tax of more jobs on the table, I just sort of wonder about the density of businesses. It's sort of like. I think, an intentionally impacting areas that have the greatest amount of opportunity. So just offering that up and be interested in kind of like talking talking the staff with a little bit
more about it. But it's a curiosity that I have well, recognizing all of these areas are incredibly worthy and I just would be interested in kind of like what quarters have more opportunity to kind of build out, read like a business corridor, which is what this is and then. Increasing are available like jobs that are available in the city. I've got in my thought. Here's just a few more points of information. Not probably a full answer your question, but 2 things. 1, 1, is we did try to compensate somewhat for that the commercial land use, which will capture vacant spaces and not vacant spaces. But the other piece just just understand that data elements and how this factors into your questions fully answer your question. The vacant building. The medication is an entire parcel or an entire building
is vacant. So that doesn't again capture for the situation where there's multiple spaces. That one could be some. That's pretty challenging yeah, that makes sense in the last part is just the. Does the vacant buildings and properties? Is that like parcels of land or is that like a jury on okay, because mortified. I don't think that we actually have that many develop. All developed of all that word properties. In fact, like reasons why probably will honor hoping that someone will buy them. And so it's just a sad and there's like a knock against us. You know, this corridor and our area when we are not even invested developing our own injury properties because they're just crummy to use. And so it's just noting that there's an incredible amount of
intention and I I've means and finally poke holes. But offering is a curiosity to say, like how consider it? Because? Also we consider it as a way that kind of just gets gets a little finer tune in by no means am I, you know, saying it must happen, but just offering it as a curiosity to staff, which I know is incredibly it's us. I just want to be thoughtful and offering over excising just such an incredible amount of attention was being presented. I appreciate the considerations. So I think we've Yeah, I was just commissioner Commissioner Kemp. Really appreciate that feedback well things again, looking at the complexity of trying trying to incorporate all the feedback and come up with a formula. There's going to be like you said, impacts on individual quarters,
cetera. And so I I think this was really good way to take a few back and build it into a formula. And I think what would be I think also great is in the coming months that we're happy to sit down with you kind of go through the new wants the formula, talk little more about it and how it might specifically impact corridors in your ward and in your area and talk through, you know, moving after this year. You know, we had one year kind of the pilot with how it was. And then this year looking at that and then moving forward after that, is there any nuance you know, tweaks to be made after that point? Another year have seen the impact of it. Council PRESIDENT Chair Johnson, customer Yang and questions. So I will go to Thank. Thanks, chair. I just I appreciate the questions very much present. Kevin, I well,
there's there's I agree, always ways t tweak and make this better. I do want to acknowledge that it seems like our first 2 metrics here, density of businesses and employees. Sort of seem to preference more active uses and spaces corridors that are more fall and then percent commercial land use and density a vacant building. Seems like it either neutral or preferences, more vacancies. So I do see staff here trying to make sure that making corridor is not treated is not disadvantage because of that solely, which was a concern that I had last time as well. But I appreciate the points about ways to even further fine-tune it. Yeah, I was just more so I guess which injures a little bit to hear specifically about the quarter extensions. So touch on just how there
expanding their geography. chair Jowler face chaired Johnson. So the 4 quarters that are getting slightly larger would be the East 7th Street corridor, the Fort Parkway corridor, komodo front, Cesar Chavez in Wabasha. Each of them are adding. I think that the actual low couple of blocks in either direction to account for contiguous. Commercial area along those corridors you know, Komodo front is expanding a little bit to the east. And to capture some additional land. The 7th is going a little bit further down. Maryland actually. And then for Parkway is expanding down to Mississippi River Road. And this fall that this is the same as well what was
presented to last. Guess so. There's no changes to that from what you saw last time. Just clarifying that. Okay. And then as a follow-up chair just wanted to touch on and I'm not sure I'm looking at the presentation slides that are posted. And so I have asked us for some clarity and also just the results of the conversations surrounding operational use an economic to Bility when it relates to certain quarters. We heard from that and some commissions or heard from that. And I wasn't sure if there's a side added, I don't see it on sites that are public facing that. So I just wanted to asked that question and have an opportunity for staff to clarify that. Yeah, thank you. Chair
Johnson. I also noticed that change over yet based your intro. Yes, we do have a slight on that. So I wouldn't be able possible. Post addition of the public record perfect. Chair to do any other questions. No preserve land questions from when they get to. Ok. And that. To and said, no, question, Thank you, chair. I am that have so much to give feedback about the formula just hear. I am very supportive of the additional of like the From the components youth included in it that come from that qualified census tracks. I do want to mean as commissioner that led on the equity peace or on adding in areas of concentrated poverty into the from Formula. I do feel very strongly about keeping that
still in it would like connect with us on our Eastside business associations that have been reaching out to me. And I'm sure many of our other council members to especially so that's yes. And you see a side of the also bike business network because I'm curious about what their thoughts are. If we were to remove the areas of concentrated poverty from the formula. And I mean that because I like one, a Im, very committed to fighting poverty head-on and note from many conversations I've had with the business organizations, even district a war that because of get the property that does exist, kow, with the my word that I also really it near is near it. And many other words to a dish so much engagement that they have to do to really interact and connect with businesses, many of which are owned by people
of color, immigrants, refugees. Some of, you know, some business owners like the the Don't speak English, but then their children to. And so that's why sometimes go into those mom pop shops, even see that their children at the cashier doing a lot of face-to-face interaction and during the translations for their parents and also that a lot more effort and resources that have to go in 2000 connecting with entrepreneurs and how this really translates into the work I've heard from District Council says that, you know, they have to. I think there's conflating the 2, but there's a lot of similarities there where for
me it is. This is more about how we can really uplift the committees that are living in those marginalized areas, knowing that mean, those are also places where we have food deserts fall. And how can we continue supporting the business is doing the work and then also like lot of these businesses in the areas of concentrated poverty, like there are typically the ones that I don't hear alot about. Our city resources like even star. So my office, we are actively doing outreach to connect with the money. I'm so grateful for the work of our business organizations and staff to who really understand that gap there. And so that's why know there's a lot of dedication to trying reach out to the morning. I've seen about the work really result
in more of our bipoc on businesses applying for start, which I'm really proud of. And so just wanted a name that I think there. There's a lot of value in keeping acp cumplen and they're even though I understand what you're saying about how that's not regularly updated in a lot of the staff reports that we get a volley programming. I know our staff still regularly talk about the ecp I don't think it's any sort of irrelevant information or outdated information. Instead. I think there's a way where we can up lift it into our works. I'm wondering if is there for your formula. It you walk through a scenario at all. We are. You kept the acp as part of it and then added on the new fact, the new lake formula components that you you're using from the qualified census tracks. And if not, is that something that suppose like night, there was
an support from that from the business organizations want to connect. But I I wouldn't interested in pursuing it further. But if there was support from them to keep basic he like, is that a senior? You can put together an for us? Vice Chair Joe commissioner Qualified census tracks measure exactly the same thing as area concentrated poverty. So we are accounting for it. We feel like we're accounting for it by using that to ct measure and the removal of the acp and only impacted the corridor along. So it's snowing in Selby. Everybody else got the same. score or bump. I guess you would say from the inclusion of keep ct versus the area of concentrated poverty. So I think adding it we we certainly could. If you're interested in seeing
I don't think it's going to functionally change course. And I think it's a matter of I just need explanation from you all. I'm happy to do. I want to one about that understanding more because I like what I mean, how hearing the information you're sharing with us. The late to me. There's just some disconnection. There's I'm not. I'm not interpreting at the same. We as you all are. So I'm happy to make some time to understand that happy to connect. Thank you bringing that up. I think Council Vice PRESIDENT Kamala also had a question. I actually wondering the same thing. What what's the difference like? My own experience with? Qualified census tracks when a sort hide for slick areas of concentrated poverty. Loks like multiple different of like well being. But what I'm hearing you say is like they they pretty much overlap. But
I'd also be interested if possible to stand because also really interested in that. More so for like, I think for a more robust definition for myself to be working. So should be I think you. All right. Thank you. So the last piece about this is related to operational expenses or sub grants for operational expenses. So one of the eligible uses of commercial corridor fines is to 7 grant to businesses to do commercial lied, activities initially were thinking about using these dollars for operational support additional kind of looking at public purposes, economic development criteria, the purpose of the program, we're generally not supportive of one-off, operational support, meaning if your business comes in and says. You know, I'd like helping for my staff this month, but I don't really have additional
reason for that. We would not be supported from that. It's not strategic. It doesn't really fit in. But the corridor white kind of impacts that we want to see what this program. However, we do recognize that a lot of exceptions might apply where one of the best things that we could do for a corridor during a disruptive period of time could be to support these businesses. Operationally said the corridor stays stable and that we're retaining businesses retaining employees and the investment that they've made along the corridor. So staff is recommending to update the guidelines to allow for operational expenses to be eligible lovely. Use when there's unexpected and significant disruption along corridor. Things like construction would be a good example that I think we will
continue to hear about. And - within that, what we really just need to see from the organization's is basically how they determine that there's a quarter wide impact as a result of the disruption, how they're planning to measure that and document it to us. And to allow us to say that it is now meeting a public purpose and a quarter wide impact. So this is the proposed language. Give you second to read it, but happy to answer additional questions about this or anything else that we've discussed. Could you read the language? Think make So it the proposed language is operating expenses MAY be considered for business, stabilization and retention along the corridor when substantial and documented business disruption
impacts the quarter I awful. Documentation must show unique and substantial impact on the corridor and MAY include number of businesses impacted photographs of destruction, business bank statements or other financial documentation showing substantial revenue or sales decline and direct correlation to the disruption. The reception recipient. So this would be the organizations in this case must provide documentation showing how he economic development indicators will be met and tracked. Council PRESIDENT Thanks really appreciate staff taking a closer look at this. This was a huge concern for many of us. I think that this is a good balance between the need to allow for interment in an emergency support. Recognizing
that that's those are unique circumstances. 2, 1, suggestion. One question I in the language that you just read and not looking at more you bt probably suggest striking the word unique from unique in substantial impact. I don't necessarily think a quarter should have to demonstrate that it alone has been substantially impacted by something. It might be something affecting every quarter of the city. At the same time. And actually, I think that level of emergency were talking about. Often so I think it I don't I don't think we need to ask them to demonstrate unique impact. And then I just wanted to confirm. So we're talking about Sir Branson, this case grants directly from the commercial corridor program say, too, Business Asociation to hire someone to do something or to
do a marketing campaign which are all operational expenses. Those are all on that all the time. Chair Jones commissioner maker. That is correct. We allow for 20% or 10% of the full funds to support organizations operationally who doing the commercial court. And just and and was unclear at this before. But for example, if an organization wanted to hire somebody say to do a specific not to support their current operations, but that their their project for the Commission Corps program was hiring someone from Main Street Alliance to market the corridor. Is that acceptable there? Thank you. Ok, get your Johnson, the Councilmember Coleman Jones. I just wanted to say a kind of a culture Sentiment the as commissioner maker has shared. You know, this was I think, being on the side as well. So along race Street with their proposals from last year in the proposals from this year.
So that clarity is really helpful and beneficial so much of the plan for the pain and the 7th corridor. Was in response to the to the overall construction that they have received. And so I think this is really intentionally pt in a way that would allow for those corridors to be able to respond to the now I am curious of just when it comes to what information they need to track. Are they the whole responsible for that or is that something they can get from the businesses that they're supporting like with that burden down the prison system. Also, protests have a starting early saying that the host organizations would have to make the case for why that.
You need. Was there. Chair Johnson. The way that it would is we would expect all the information to come to us through organization that received funding. So the tracking information, that's something they have to provide quarterly as part of our contracts with them. How they receive. The information where necessarily comes from. I think we're kind of indifferent to that. We want to hear fom them. What what is reasonable to track and what makes the most sense to really capture what's happening on their corridors, which is why, you know, we're not trying to overly prescriptive in what MAY be to see. To allow some of that flexibility knowing it might
be different and not every single business can provide the same kind of information, not every disruption will be the same. And so, yes, it would all come to those organizations, what it necessarily looks like. We'll add Will depend. But I think, you know, we do enough front and work when they submit their proposals to us. They being organizations. To, I think get to a place where we can come up with You know what makes the most sense, depending on what organization is proposing to use the dollars for her. When they first come back to us every year. Thank And I think just as a I will. I also agree with the that Burress, the striking the word unique some solely because I do anticipate a citywide. Case to be made for operation research. You know, we have a growing the from businesses and local corridors to respond to what has been
what is really challenging Twenty-twenty 6 for all of our corridors. So I would not be surprised if we start to see Matt, I would get that substantial. But if we're looking for kind of differentiation per, you know, and I think struck shun could be seen as happening everywhere because there are many corridors of have experience that it's just that there was some different nuances related to resigned construction project because it was done, you know, but a different timeline than anticipated. There were other factors, but it still could be substantiated cases be argued that its unique are specific to that. So Chad Johnson, I if I could respond to that, too. And I invite or city attorney I they've got any opinions the unique, the striking of it. One thing just want to be
clear, but we don't mean that it and thing that only happened to one corridor. I think it means that it is a unique in time thing that is happening. Not that it is only happening to Ray Street or that it is only ever happened to Cesar Chavez corridor. I would agree that there MAY be some confusion on that. Maybe we can talk about that. If you're a point But I think it sounds like we do shared understanding of what we're trying to achieve with the language. Just a matter to have the to that effect. if that was something that has to be, you know, I think it might be helpful to get that defined. What you're saying and you substantial. Any other question? Sure. Johnson. Not those Melas.
Thank you. Thanks. Customer Poland. Thank you for Just thanks for this presentation. And I apologize it was that happened. Think we have the first part of this conversation leading to this. So I make. Pretty chilly too. The transcript. But I question became what we're what we're working to publish this because so much was that the initial impetus was because of a state. My head immediately went to Operation Metro Surge. But I'm wondering it the way I read the language currently is that could be applied to something as broad as a recession or something that is affecting all of our businesses where we might want to provide emergency aid. It's not clear to me, though, that that would be the intention the I thinking. What's is more? Hyper localized more time bound, then that for session or some sort of
economic downturn that's just significantly impacting businesses. But with no end in sight and curious if that that couldn't be captured here. Am just reading this anything, but that. Director Brent maybe try and give a little background science and Jeff into as well. But part of the goals differentiating between. That day to day. Sort of what I come from. Better. Business operations aren't eligible, uses simply asking top city for rent, our labor and Suntory doesn't economic development. Purpose of these funds and so trying to differentiate that that day today that better that that's not what the public dollars are being spent for tat private business. But rather when there is sort of this this outlier, if you well, if there is an operation Metro surge, there is something like
that, that has that substantial impact on the business that they can show that really the dollars would be needed for business retention to serve that economic development purposes, trying to get at differentiating between those 2 different circumstances. What would be eligible? And helps. council for the Lakers Thanks, MISTER. Just and I think that's coming. Your questions really interesting and sort of makes assertive pressure test the boundaries of this. I do like the word time bound. By the way, not a lawyer. But I also I think it's worth just keep in mind, too, that these are some grants. So we're making one grant to the Business Association of District Council. They are then deciding where they're corridor. Most needs this assistance. Ad so I think there's a certain extent to
which we can trust. We give these guidelines. We can trust that. That association knows the needs of its area the best and would decide even in some sort of whether recession or something more long term, whether this limited amount of dollars in that situation, if this was the best use or not. So I just I think there's just some additional there's another. There's another judgment point that we have by having this go through very locally rooted organization. That's the Thanks to just I just want a clarification on basically who to sites like. Criteria. But needs because apd who does that and so like a solid, for example, if there's an organization wants to to receive the sub grant and they're saying that. They know the there's a public purpose economic
development for whatever they're asking for. Is that a summit that would say actually, you don't need it or yes, you, too, are ppe. Children's Commissioner Yang, it would be pd but how the applicant even after proposal process works for this program is every year the selected organizations would give us their budget and essentially justify how its meeting all of the different public purposes of the program. So in this case, that's how we would treat it. They would say we need experiencing construction disruptions. We know we've got 10 businesses that won't have direct access. This is how we're planning to measure it. We would like to use x amount of dollars for some grants and then we mpd would say meets
our test or no. We need more information or tat doesn't seem substantial or unique. except as we enter into a contract with them and we worked. City attorney's office reviews the contract enter into before Spurs and France. Okay. And then just a follow-up. This side. That a sort of Rick, was something that the organization can share with you all and time because, you know, we sometimes he can't can't plan for any sort disasters that might happen. So do you have to cut that line? They have to do that virus it up like certainly can building bases where they can always reach out to you for it. Commissioner. We would prefer if they mostly stick to the statement of work that they give to us at the beginning of the year, though, that additionally, that flexibility that gives us the ability on a case-by-case
basis to make some changes that would be captured in here. If all this and there's a sinkhole in front of your business that you weren't anticipating that they wanted to use these dollars staff has enough. Let's ability in these guidelines, I think, to make a judgment call. I. And when it would be appropriate to change that we've done that even in the pilot year of this program is different. Things have come up. Thank you. That ws taken last slide. Okay. Any other questions on this make sure get it too. For the downtown fatality. Fun. Thank you so Thank you, everybody. Item nmber 3, a staff report Sr. 26 dash 30 fort downtown vitality. Fun presentation. Thank you. Just
couldn't set up. Commissioners. Yeah. Yeah. Because has a quick question yet. Direct impact you can you explain to if you to just know the difference like I notice that on the corridor lists here. That downtown, it's not factored into the index, but then I know that we have the vitality fun here for downtown, too. So can you share like why? Why? That is just your recommendation about this. Sure. And that is learned cycle of the year. But - the quarter specifically the downtime Vitality Fund has different eligible uses as well. So there for different uses. But Commissioner Yang we did look at what the downtown looks like in and the index. It is so unique and different than the rest of the city. But it scores like off the charts.
So it's almost not even worse. Putting the exact scores on there. But they went through the exact same as all the other All right. Commissioners, thanks so much. I am really excited that we are before you here today to provide updates in the 5 million dollar Downtown Fatality fund, which you approved the budget for both at a tree and city council as part of this 2026 budget. So. I wanted to start, though, just with a little bit to ground us in the importance of our downtown is an economic engine. It is incredibly important, not just as a neighborhood and a community and a job center, but it's a really unique place with placemaking that welcomes people from all over the state and all over the region that really reflect rich diversity of backgrounds. It is a vibrant part of our city has strong cultural institutions, entertainment venues and unique events and attractions
that really bring people into Saint Paul. We all know I think all too well, you you all in particular, a lot of the challenges that all downtown face post covid and Saint Paul's not unique in that way. There has been a defined in office. I can see an overall traffic and this investment into downtown and downtown vitality funds were really hoping will help make a difference to increase the strength of our downtown. Again, just noting that the goal of this downtown vitality funds provide financial assistance to both commercial and residential development projects that strengthen and activate our downtown. And I'm excited to open this 5 million dollar fund to do that and reinvent great downtown. We now have our housing director and our economic development director. Will b before you to go through some more sides to talk in more detail about
each component of the fund. thank to come, man price to Jules. My name is Joseph the housing director. And I would say The downtown, from ace fall, they will oppose funding to create housing units al come an office was in and in downtown Saint Paul. The fall would be your store. Dennis also be used to fund some of communities that alignment with income housing program, which is The most traced to sauce beyond Monday's program. So these activities include last action, a condition position on get financing to provide for the housing to household income that do not exceed 250% of my full for home ownership projects. 80% of in my full
and Paul units. It should be noted that house and it without all funds on the program must for the boat to the local law. False. These programs of the same crime be off. If you crack the areas to have had any ties to the sauces tools out most to be on projects to adopt to close in 2026. The power guys well projects the greatest number creation can get that. This also. The vaulting, I'm going to ask why a man for these program quiet for a lot of crime and us where projects subject to city on hiv con consequence. Any questions that is the housing part of this program or te wife my colleagues, long talk about his from it. a present maker is a question and Thanks, Vice chair. Just a couple questions
and appreciate all the hard work on this. I think one of the key priorities for this these dollars they be easy to access and that they get out the door quickly. So one question is, what is the application process look like? How long do we expect that it would take before project with Noah? Think its financing and in particular this if the fund is oversubscribed seems to point to application window as opposed to first come first serve rolling basis because rolling what's to keep the first projects from getting all the money. And we don't actually know how to prioritize amongst them. So I guess I'm just can you paint a little bit more of a picture of how does the application process work and how quickly does it go? Judge rules commission maker?
Yes, it's a bill that no deadline. How we have a summit to open process we multiple locations. Goal there. The application fairly simple. We receive on intend to apply some develop. Beauty view. Just knew we would look at where the funding sauces behalf some commitments from the fund. This. We've got we decide on big Nestle. Often. I have proposal. With just a follow-up. Would there be by Gasol? Asked me 2 questions. Then you'll to Johnson. Will there be a value in having application windows such that again, just imagine there's a ton of need the projects. The opening, the project, program could launch. And we could very quickly have we could have one application right away. And then another application a couple of weeks later and I think it it
doesn't allow us to prioritize amongst them. If. Allow for a whole bunch to come at once and be able to choose. So I'm just I'm just wondering if it makes more sense to have windows that move along the year rather completely rolling. And then secondly, projects that are prepared to close in 2026, I guess I'm curious in many cases, might be the case that we have applicants who are ready to own the property, but are planning a redevelopment. So I'm wondering if it's worth having one other prioritization metric in this group that would help us choose even among projects that are already owned. Vice Chair Jewels Commission maker. We do some criteria that w within year to that it process.
I mention commitment from on the for the fund. This if someone submit a proposal and without commitments from the fund obviously to a t. So we let them know that the chemicals that make it. Thank you. And thank you, director from for beginning the conversation to around this. But it fund really excited to see people think the housing in the economic development piece this proposal along the vein of Commissioner Nick are kind of wanted to know more about the timelines for what's anticipated. But I think along that to what has helped me to understand is how these programs and how these initiatives are being staffed. And I ddn't get a chance to pass that. I forgot to ask related to the recorder funding because I know that
the also budgeted additionally for an additional position to assist that fund. I wanted to just check with you all of that. But as Stephen Fry for this, it's a 5 million dollar program with housing economic development. But like from the processing in on the housing teen, what does that look like? If we we do have like a window for applicants to apply. And, you know, the review process, what is the staff in the clip on the back in for the mentality fund currently? I'll just jump in. Let these are existing funds and programs with Steph. So using a law funds, we have the existing housing team that is funds. They're simply these are specifically for downtown and similarly with housing
trust fund dollars ging in. Those are dollars that we regularly program with existing staff. It's simply that these are for specifically downtown. So answer your question. Chair. It doesn't. So what is staffing the plant currently for the fund? I can the House and development director talk more about their staffing overall and how you know staff is going to be used on this. But because it's not a new program, our new staff, there's not not a new program. There is an additional staff needed to create and begin a new program. These are dollars being used for housing. We have existing dollars and staff that uses dollars. It's in this case these dollars will be used for downtown projects snce specifically for downtown so existing staff that exist doing the work.
We'll continue with us. Vice Jeh Johnson. This is not a new program. This is an additional the sauce ought multi-family program. I don't know if this is us. Question. Okay. So we did a window application window as well as being kind of committed by commissioner maker here like an application Rondo that comes through. You get for proposals that existing staff were with you. The folks reviewing those applications in determining readiness. Jay Johnson up occasionally in the big development the big developments with hm. Well. Because we can set them up the kitchen window in. I don't know. 2 months most likely will not receive an application. It's could open window so that way the its leave you with funding commitments from other and then be some make it. that is part of the reason
for not having a specific window of time because of the staffing of, you know, we had 1, 1, thing to do it and process it not having that ability right dollars. Also, folks want to use them. There is an existing application process. And so it's not changing that. What we've done is we've added interest form. To try make it less onerous so that somebody can fill out an interest form, which is 2 pages long, just letting us know. Hey, we're interested in looking at your dollars for downtown as part of this downtown vitality fund. Any other questions? Okay. And Yeah, this is a follow-up. Then on average, would you say for the time project but come to us. How quickly would be be able process potentially get a definitive yes or no to their
readiness? What is the average time that it's currently taking with the existing Chad Johnson. Sorry. Could you repeat the question? Yeah. What is the current timeline that so when we received like a proposal to determine readiness like from the time that year that someone MAY be able to express interest from the time they potentially would be determined, eligible or not. Of West Judge was Joe Johnson. There's time like this beat the know my processing off. Proposal doesn't come before you and I don't want to see having multiple petitions. We MAY see one or 2 developments for these type of funding. That would be great. Yes. Okay. Thank Okay. Yeah. Appreciate that. Because I think you know what, the
amount of money that's in the fund realistic that we would be looking at maybe a project or 2, as you mentioned So it's not a matter of if we're pressing several applications. Sara Lee is that what you're saying? Judge Okay. I wouldn't turn over to Councilmember and because in questions. Thank you. Vice chair just ice have a similar question. And then also to just, you know, commission makers really sparked my interest, particularly around, you know, another reason why having you know, versus having time frame versus open window just because if we are just in to sup 8 ing just one or 2 developments, that's even more reason to have competition because you're just really and then a gene, whoever is ready to go versus who has the best
impact there's going to grow, you know, bring for the best proposal. And, you know, I understand it's is coming to us today. You know, as a recommendation and I really appreciate all the work that went into designing this fund. But I I am tears to see, you know what with the changes look like with that? You know, how would that change in terms of like the work, the management of this work? If we do feel strongly about having a finite time for people apply versus having those who are ready, a competitive advantage, particularly for only looking at funding one or 2 projects. I'll jump in and add that part of that reason. And that fire does Ation was what we heard from you all in terms of trying to move dollars during the budget year in which they're allocated and trying
to move projects forward that we're st ready to go. And so that was part of the prioritization of really wanting to make sure these dollars for applied as soon as possible and to get projects moving as quickly as possible. Thanks was just I I would agree with the way that really just frame that. I think it's especially exactly as you said, I I would recommend long application window. I think a month, for example, is essentially long enough window. But I think what I hear we think is necessarily the project that's ready to start construction. But the project that happens to be ready to apply for this, the moment that it's released and if it's completely open and rolling the first project to jump in and apply for all of the money could potentially get awarded it if the next project comes and 2 months later. But it's actually a priority preferred project. According to our criteria, we
would have given the money away. So I think having just a window to allow fr few different projects to come forward and choose the best one makes a lot of sense. I'm not sure I feel the same way about the economic development funding because it looks like again, we'll have more dollars there. Those can go out a rolling basis of the available to more projects. I think maybe something that throw for consideration instead of a hard month or 2 months application time because I think that also does limit our flexibility that there could be something where it's simply a to guarantee consideration. Submit your interest one by the state. And that would provide incentive to folks to get their farms and to provide for that competitive. Advantage, if you well to try and get them all and have that competition without hamstringing
Thank you for that. If we did it that way. I don't. There's certain eigible uses in criteria when there need to be another mechanism for making a decision between multiple projects with an application period as previously were kind of first come first, serve. Director felt something. And I'll just note that. So again, these are dollars for decide on a fine and that therefore, downtown and that respect. So if you know by that date, we are overprescribed, which would be actually kind of an amazing thing if we have so many applications so many interest farms, I should say of folks interested to move forward, then it's simply it is a prioritization with an that the housing staff look at the projects and would make that professional recommendation. And then for any approvals, they would have to come to you before the board as a board. 2 approved the dollars being used for that project. So
there is that mechanism by which you all well actually approved the dollars out the door. Are there any other questions about the housing portion of this for 4, 2, It's tear. And get you so much. Good afternoon. And is Lloyd Economic development. Director. It is a As we continue to talk about the doubts the we also want to make sure that nonprofit and for-profit in states where eligible for these dollars as a strong feeling that economic development is. And so like just with for profit. But also with nonprofit partners as well. They do provide a lot of vitality to multiple areas within our city. And want to make sure that we capture as many people as we can to help us our downtown and make it more bite out. Excuse To make
it more about it. Eligible uses. We're looking at. Building capital improvements. Equipment purchases and public improvements with the capital improvements were focused on street level. Interior x 2 things are permanently a fix. And visible to enhance downtown experience with equipment purchases would looking at things that useful life of 5 or more years. Update and expand operations so quickly that can hlp. This is continuing their operations for the for lease that amount of time. Alas, the public improvements made buy private property owners and adjacent businesses, things like lighting outdoor seating and public art. Aain. As we just kind of the if might need to talk about this is different
way. But subscribe some of the things that our highest priority for us. Our database. At least 5,000 square feet or more of currently vacant space. This is that had employees in the office, at least 50% of the time. Projects that could begin within 6 months of receiving funds. Also, ayone who's planning relocating from it operations downtown Saint Paul well. The funding structure will be determined as follows products under $100,000 be given a grant that is distributed as reimbursement through the project, incurs as it becomes eligible costs. Of the project was to put program report and have a monitoring visit for from saff within one year of the project. Completion. 5% of the grant will be withheld as we take by the city into the project is
complete and demonstrates that all of the grant funding costs have been fully pay. Thanks, Vice chair, MR. Questions tonight, they - take place size, but I waited until I could put them all So one of them is about the eligible uses. Activity is, I guess, for the building capital improvements. You have here which visibly enhance the downtown experience. I think. I don't know that that's necessary. I think what we're trying to do is encourage - businesses to stay or relocate to downtown. And if there. If the building capital improvements that they need to perform or not visibly enhancing. The downtown experience is the presence or continued presence of the business. That is the key to that enhance downtown experience. So I guess I would put too much of a premium on that on the other hand, priorities for funding projects that again, within 6
months of receiving funds 6 months fields long to me, especially if it's being used to something to distinguish between projects. I would certainly expect that all of these projects would begin within that tmeframe. So if this is being used as a differentiator. I guess, that 3 months or something, you know, that's really somebody really can make make use of it right away. And then so those are just 2 suggestions. And the last one is a question that. The fact that the grant just distribute as a reimbursement and we talk about this, a of our funding that the reimbursement always requires the business to have the up front capital. And I'm wondering if it has to be your reimbursement or if it can truly be. Grant for it. Vice chair just got so naked. Thank you for those concerts. I no problem your. It is statement on at this point. I can understand why you feel that way. What I will say is
that 3 months as opposed to 6 months for beginning time. I think as we've all I expect past 2 months is with Metro surge. Israeli been challenging for projects to maintain labor from some of those standpoint and also acquiring funds for these projects at times can take some time for these businesses to close I would be caution. A question that approaches. We talk about how we want to. You know, force that expect that process. I hear that 6 months fields long. I think that still recovering with from what I'm hearing on the ground from a lot of people who getting back to work after these past 2 months and also. Shortage of people who MAY not have reentered the workforce and our labors. They are areas as well. I just want I want to make Often as of reimbursement 3% We've had this
conversation. I think certainly. The thing that consistently comes up in the reimbursement is how the lead protect the city dollars. And how do we best Stuart, those dollars? As of today, the biggest mechanism that we have had is reimbursement with that allows for us to do it obviously to pay up on the cost incurred. My experiences I've been here. We have not done any grants before the way it's been completed. I think that's been. A successful in my opinion. But I do understand that there could be the discuss a different approach well. Last time I was just really encourage us to think about a way to do that because, in some ways it's a little bit backward. If if the has the money to do the work. And then we're reimbursing them. I think that calls into for funds even more. And we are, you know, through, for example, the commercial
corridors program. Allocating dollars not on a reimbursement basis. So it seems like there is a way to do it. Come number covid. Thanks, chair. Destroyed. Just a question about that. Priorities second tallest going in there and some scares for the conversation that was had to get here on businesses hitting downtown. Obviously feels really important bring businesses downtown. Also feel so critical to be keeping the businesses that we have downtown and, you it feels like such a big win when we get into business and it feels like such incredible loss when we lose a business that again Seems fifty-fifty gm just so curious and how that decision was reached where that conversation like. Thanks, Joe Scott's member killed in what we were hoping to achieve is by having the funds available that we would
make accessible to our current businesses downtown as a show of commitment to them staying downtown, but also by other businesses to come into downtown as well. Sometimes extra incentive MAY be the thing that we encourage someone to move. And so our hope is that get we have geat relationships that are kind business community downtown. Keep them here as best as we can. You're very right. Like it is devastating. And does become a lot more noticeable. Let them know what's available for that. But also if there's someone who say I wouldn't count out except for we have resource to hopefully help someone to up be a part of And I'll add that. I think the balance of the privatization is, you know, the second full funding projects that House businesses and pleased to have in place. That's part of that retention.
So it's balancing that retention with the atraction, both within that privatization. And then sure thanks, chair Joseph. I'll be honest. I'm trying my best to - follow along. I mean, I mention start talking about the economic. Meet tele defund and now highest potential quarter council. It's all a jumbo like I feel like I'm doing work and a puzzle piece that I keep having different puzzle puzzle boards and saw. And trying just get some clarification. So can you can you share with us the the economic development component for the vitality funding? How many dollars rv carving out for that? And it's not the 5 million pat. Is that right? Yes, Council actually Vice Chair Toast Council and We are dedicated to man out of the 5 million for doubt.
Appreciate. And then how many projects think that will fund? Unknown at uncertain again. You guys might council they come in a very good point like someone could potentially as from our dollars and it could be one project that could be too. We didn't want to play say, you know, cap on any of that. Just for that to see what we will get. So our hope is that we can serve many businesses. We definitely talk about a way to do that. But I also would say we have other sources that Maybe help some of the smaller aounts. I think, you know, we want to get that as well. So if there was a project that came in, that was larger, that would be more suitable for this fun. This could be a good opportunity collect a check.
Okay. I'm just jumping to I make healthful to think of this as right. We've got the downtown vitality, fun, their existing resources and programs. So housing component, which will be about 3 million of the 5 Million. Largely dollars. The split is not exactly a 3, 2, but largely dollars. So we dollars that we do use. This is saying we really want to focus on downtown in providing this resource existing. But for downtown and that 2 million of the housing trust fund dollars roughly that will be used to the Business Assistance Fund again, an existing business. We have the existing business assistance fund and this is saying within that these are dollars being set aside to focus strategic plan on downtown. It's sort of fun to the capital asked, but
it's really using existing programs strategically to focus those dollars that we do. We are used using that. We do to the business assistance funding dollars to focus on really strengthening our downtown. Okay. And then for eligible applicants for the economic development, part of the fatalities, like you have a for-profit and nonprofit entities. I just want to chilly. Does that include businesses to private businesses, ok? I director being and sure ask the question earlier around the commercial corridor find that the downtown portion, which is $90,000 and I do want to bring up the question again, because I I've been very supportive of the dot topic, but Ali finessing for commercial quarter fun, too. And I think this is a question
I want to pt out to all of the cast members and you mentioned earlier that there it's a different use. Some mean I'm kind of. I'm a bit unclear about the difference just because the economic development part of tis vitality financing is really so much a star and can point out differences that be helpful. It I'm unclear about like the direct. The differences between this economic development fatality fund portion and also commercial corridor. And if it's the scene, them might just might be a sort of like this is a lot of dollars are investment into downtown, which we absolutely should. And I want us to. Sir, thank you like it. Doesn't make sense for us to be carving out $90,000 from the Commercial Corridor fund for downtown as well. Or is it a worthy
investment for us to just I'll forward. The other commercial corridors to it to have that $90,000 be spread more amongst them knowing that we don't have, you know, an additional 5 million dollar pot going into every other place that's not downtown. And so that's that's. The heart of the question here is about because that's, you know, that's what I'm thinking o us. I would get at the 2 best presentations here. 2 Asian So I notice a holistic way. It can get confusing, right? Sometimes it feels like a diagram are certain aspects overlap of our funding and depending on the funding source in the area and everything depends eligibility and uses. He's really again for those capital improvements. Really focus on that street level and that experience downtown for this. These are also housing trust fund dollars. And that's
a sales tax dollars. So they're 2 different sources being used as well as another different year. All right. Richard Jones will see the differences between these funds, your talking on a much smaller pot of money for the commercial corridors. I see a lot of that Morris. Just community oriented local, you know, in Highland, getting some money for lake hanging baskets and things like that. Like we're talking about it, a much different scales different different funding sources. I will it over to Chair Johnson. Think you're next to comment or question. Yeah. So Commissioner, I'm getting is. What I heard from her was specific around the allocation for downtown on the commercial corridor. Funding and potentially with the overlap here. I think I would should be a
conversation about whether or not we can use those resources externally for the commercial corridors that are not going to benefit from this fund in a way that could potentially be equitable to the union. So i think that is what understand from Commissioner Yang is an interest to talk about that. I want put words in your saying, but I do think that's what you're that's what you're part of. Your question was about. Yes, Is that right? Honestly, I think I have to hear the case in the U.S. And, you know, would like might that you are interested like, are you saying you're interested in potentially exploring whether or not the commercial corridor dollars that we have for the rest of the city. Should be going to downtown of downtown is being able to
get this out this like, yeah. And you know, I don't I don't recall Lake. Maybe you haven't that conversation before. But I think definitely something. And I'm interested hearing from you all about and also like I recommend long time to some happy to chat. Offline. Okay. Just I'm sure that I think if we did, we have another commission before, right? Because last year, the dot or dot fun didn't exist the downtown, but fun does exist this year with the significant investment and, you know, 5 million dollars is no small feat. I would just hear from my in the economic development of ability threshold here and the economic ability threshold kind of brought to us in-form of what can and can't be done
with the commercial corridor funding. I think it needs to be clarified a little bit when it gets into business operations helping assist business to come downtown. Great. Sounds a little bit like land, you acquisition like. Helping moving funds like providing assistance in that regard. That. I don't, you know, I didn't see that kind of in the in the eligible uses category for the commercial corridor pieces. And so I do want to name that. I hope that the economic development guidelines and the economic development sources that are being used to benefit downtown are replicated uniform when it comes to the crunch of quarter funding. Use. I heard a question too about like this, the financing it I I don't actually see a difference in capital improvements that we have
currently from the fund that we're creating an economic development, star dollars or neighborhoods are dollars that are going through what we do ask for reimbursement for any capital improvements. We have certain guidelines from it. I would be hesitant to change just came in the grants out, you know, just because I don't do that doesn't allow for some of the oversight questions that we have in some of the, you know, real valid things that we can do on the back in when it comes to reimbursement. And so I just really be interested in knowing kind of what tat would look like and what kind of apartments that we would be lenient on if we did just rant out, especially if they haven't done the work yet to me that creates a little bit of Little bit of a disparity when it comes to capital improvement dollars. We have
readily available at the city even right now being currently with that. Te last that just saying, I know hasn't right on time. These guidelines that are put in place, you know, we do plan to hve votes come back to this body. But I actually wondering, you panel, with the timeline looks like and what kind of questions we get afterwards. I'm pretty committed to ensuring that when these guidelines come back, they're done. So with everybody's input. And so I would be amenable to having this on the 11th. But the following, meaning if we needed to vote on that action because the the plan is to have the down time vitality Fund and the question corridor guidelines come back next week if we don't feel like that is enough time meaningful to, you know, to bring in the
guidelines back for both at the end. But we will have a meeting on the 18th, but we will have a meeting that following week. It doesn't match the urgency that I hope that we can operate within. But I do want to get also saw some of the downtown fatality fun guidelines presentation last week. I'm not sure how much folks have been involved in, but if people do think more time I really would appreciate knowing that from commissioners and just getting the, you know, either to myself or directly man saying so. Thank you. Chair okay. So I want to try to wrap up here in the next couple minutes. I guess I would ask us council PRESIDENT Maker culture, really, if you keep your comments as short questions comes short as possible, I think we even have another slide. And so that ask after
your comments. If we could under homeless But we got one more for projects over $100,000. So if that I want okay, so we can come present your what you go. And then into the last slide. And then if you have a question that absolutely need to ask today, you could ask it, but it wasn't like to wrap this up so we can a break before the council. Thanks, MISTER Joe's. I just want to say appreciate from brings question change question. I do think we should be constantly looking to make sure using our dollars most effectively. Probably won't surprise anybody a this table to hear me say that. I think downtown needs the 5 million and the 90,000 they are for very different uses think in particular commercial corridors find it's not always used this way but how we
wanted to be used is really for corridor activation, not for individual businesses to get assistance. And I think downtown actually needs that even more than some other places where we really could have that place making. That isn't always happening. So that said, I'm really open to revisiting that in the future. I think it might be worth having as chair Johnson mentioned, having both programs run this year. We didn't have the downturn mentality from last year and then seeing what happens and whether it makes sense t continue the commercial quarters downtown. And the second thing I would say is I would strongly prefer for us to actually vote on this and the commercial corridors program next week. We always talk about how we want to approve items in the budget and have start as soon as possible in the new Year.
We're already almost at the end of the 1st quarter of the new year. So and I will work double time with anyone who wants to sit down and really sharpen our pencils on the guidelines. I love to be able to prove these next week. Thank you. Council PRESIDENT. I will turn it back over to you for the last. For the last slide projects over $100,000 of funding will be deferred forgivable loan with the 4 year term given annually. If the provides report by year end of each year, the life of loan maintain operations in downtown Saint Paul. space that effectively being leased business operating in downtown Saint Paul for the term of the loan. And a mortgage or other collateral place on the subject. Property for the life
of the loan. You'll notice that says also any projects receiving over 500,000 must be approved by answer. It. So we feel that this is a good. The litigation reform size of the projects. Any other comments or questions council we thank you, vice-chair chills, and thanks so much, Director Lloyd. I just want to just some shares and comments particularly on this with, you know, reviewing the program. I'm always like having the question the forefront of like are we measuring success and what it is like? It's to our benefit to understand, know, really what is the city's return on investment? Because this is a major investment and necessary. Indeed, it investment. And you know, when it things particularly that came about in the conversation when I hosted the Star Grant in full session was that there was
percent of star Grant goes to downtown. You know, people in my ward was really surprised by that. And, you know, had some questions, particularly around equity. And I just want to just, you kow, remind us that, you know, downtown has a layers of fun I'm not that is not necessary. But now in a commercial corridor, we mentioned the start grant, we have the same pod downtown alliance. We just heard Bush Foundation is a Korean. You know, invested 30 million dollars. We seen in the legislative agenda, conversion tax credit believe we have 2 million dollars to for the waiver for the conversion tax credit and also last but not
least is 200 million dollars finding at the state for for the loud so I think with this particular vitality, fun, I really want to see a much sharper focus on like eligible use, just because like to commissioners Yang's there's a lot of funds out there. There's a lot of investment which is good, but it's it's important that people can distinguish right how this set of funds is really going to address the shortage that we've been particularly retail and restaurants and last but not least You know, my objective, particularly with these funds when we voted on it last year. What's really grow a healthy tax base. So, you know, although I don't support that, not profit should be.
suppose I really think we need really jump start a lot of our for-profit and retail. Businesses another fund that's really similar to the Vitality. 5 believe coming through the same pop port authority. They're not allowing nonprofit businesses because their main objective is no boosting that down the sales tax, which is our tax revenue. So. You know, that's something that I just want to just mention. And I and I would like to see some changes with these guidelines, but also I want to ensure that we can, you know, stay on timeline. But I think it would the really important just because now from just consumer basis, you know, seen that feedback from from people that live and work downtown just like us. We were
downtown. We would love to see, you know, more restaurants, more retail people that so excited so much positive feedback. When we heard that all these was here, there's like clear desperation, right for u to use our funds and use our resources to be able to attract some of those retail and grocery stores and restaurants. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Boy, thank you. Commissioners for for your time. It is imperative that we get this right. Not just get it done. Thank you so much. Guess I will director expanded. You have a comment yeah, I was just going update on to what the action before would be in this week for so for the commercial step update to the guidelines for the commercial partner program for the downtown vitality. Fun for the housing component. Again,
using those existing dollars. That would be senator 3rd and the state statute and the requirements of that to projects would be coming back to you for approval. So there aren't any guidelines for updating for that for the economic development portion of this. Those will be done through the Business Assistance Fund, which is an existing funds. So the actual before you will be updates, that business assistance fund guidelines just wanted to clarify that actual action was coming that way next week. Thank you for making a clarification council. PRESIDENT Maker thanks was just just super quickly. I just want to make sure that even though we keep talking about this is not a new program, are not new funds. We need to make sure we are very clear communicating that it is new program, even the and having Web page and like I just want, make sure we're
ready go with making a big deal about it, even though it is a reallocation existing dollars. We have a Web site and then trust funds that will be ready to go live on the 12th. If the if this body them at around 11 last. Chair, Johnson, yes. And just a great player to as I shared earlier, commissioners are interested potentially having either the commission's order guidelines for the downtown vitality. You some of this case, assistance fund guidelines. I need is an email you know, to make sure that we're able to and Stoneman double to Justin people want to have more time. That sounds great. Thanks for saying that because I was going to say something similar to that effect. And please, I would say, please let your Johnson no lake within. I
don't know today because we do currently have displayed on the agenda for next week. I'll say for myself, I would like to keep personally like to keep it on the agenda for next week and do whatever we need to do to get it done. But we just chaired Johnson just needs needs to So that's That's that. That's kind of my take on We are at the end of our agenda. I want to thank everyone for their attendance today and with nothing else to come before its