they're ready order roll call, please. Toast here. Kim. maker here Yang here, Sheriff Johnson There 5 presence that what I want to something. Commissioner Item number one is resolution 25 dash 4, 3, 1, Resolution approving the partial loan forgiveness of up to 1 million, 255,384 dollars. And combined principal and interest 3 housing redevelopment authority longs to the Commerce building. Phase one Commerce building faced 2 projects 10, 4th Street East District. 17 more too. I we had a presentation on this last week for a jury mean and I did not MISS It here in questions or concerns prior t that. But I'll hand it over to director noon just in case
there's anything else. Thank you. Chair Johnson commissioners. That's correct. This is an item you received a presentation on last week and it's just backed fear. Action today and staff recommends approval of the item or really any discussion or questions for commissioner Ce. Commissioner maker, thanks to Don I just want to thank staff for hard work on this really appreciative to kind of and to pack properties for their partnership and keeping this property for double. And I would move approval. I already saw commotion from mistake or to approve of those in favor say Aye. Aye. All posts. Biden favors or oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item. Number 2 is resolution. 25 Dash 4, 1, 7, a resolution approving and
authorizing the execution of a master legal service agreement coup Tech rock, llp, citywide. Direction. The for the clarification. Ys. thank you. Chair Johnson commissioners. This is just measure of legal services agreements with various firms for various fun council and public finance work if a tree and the city. So this I'm disapprove. Set master legal services agreement with contest. For this for this year with an optional one-year renewal period. A similar item at City Council n staff recommends approval of Thank you. Director any further questions from commissioners? Great, none. I'll take a motion from this. Just to prove all those in favor say Aye. All posts. Biden favors or oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item. Number 3is resolution. 25
Dash 4, 2, 3, a resolution amending the affordability requirement for fires of honor Occupy duplexes and the inspiring communities program citywide. So this item here discuss. I think it's really important to just draw to it. And I'll hand over to director new 9 to see a couple folks related to this item in the audience today. So wanted to hand it over to you for some further context. Briefly of just item is a reminder. Sure. Thank you. Chair Johnson commissioners. In JULY of 2022, this body approved the terms the guidelines for inspiring communities, rfp number 7 in rfp. Every time we put on our we have a group of water. We make an effort to kind of get some of our property developed. Try to do a lot of things, right. And I this case we tried to create homeownership opportunities
for some purchase a duplex and run at one site as a as a community, wealth, building opportunities for the boxes. We're trying to check. However, when we approve those guidelines, we we set income limit of the buyers for that honor. Occupy duplexes 80% of am I and and for various reasons. Interest rates, market values, even with down payment assistance. The buyers at that income level can't qualify that these duplexes are built and ready to sell and and the can't qualifed there's there's no one like if they can't qualify for the for the payment, even with a with the rent that you would receive in even with down payment Minnesota housing finance has impact fund guidelines on homeownership
and they allow up to 115% m for owner occupied duplexes, which is what asking to change that to for the specific property's owner occupied Duplex is through the inspiring communities program. It's it's very specific. But there they're built and they're ready to go and unable to get them sold off because of this. Very, like narrow band of of affordability that we required. So just looking for ability to pump that up to to to that level, up to that level is necessary to get those old. Thank you, director noon. And can you just clarify as well for the jury? What actually be taken this item yet to Johnson commissioners. You're just approving the ability raise the income limit of the buyers. 215% of a median income rather than 80. And thank you direction. And for that, I you know, I think this is an area where once we are able to see something that
we can address by simply amending something that we currently have in place. To adjust to the need. I think that that makes sense. And for me, I'm supportive of that. Are there questions that commissioners have as it relates to this item or further clarification? Commissioner really? No questions. Just chairs to this change, especially when it comes so are other homebuying assistance programs like a down payment I know I hear from constituents often about the am. I being so low especially in this, you know, and economy this time where people are of a certain MAY perceive this higher. But they have family household they have to due to inflation, things cost more. So I am happy that we are making this change in, making it more
accessible for people's again to homeownership. Thanks, Commissioner Billy. And the other commissioners also have any questions or comments. With that, I'll take a motion Council are fully to approve all those in favor say all a hoax. 6 and favors or oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item. Number 4 is resolution. 25 dash, 4, 3, 0, resolution approving the emergency rental assistance, eviction Prevention program. Guidelines, city wife. We're ready. So if you all remember, we had a presentation on the emergency rental assistance program and the guidelines and the introductions. I think this is a really important step forward when it comes to being able to take advantage of our local, affordable dollars that have come to the city one of the areas that we talked about was emergency rental assistance being eligible. Find in that
category, being able to have a chance to wrk with the plan. Economic development team specifically with director on time and director noon on. This has been really a great experience and I appreciate your willingness to just kind of dive in with U.S.. Director Deputy Director Green as well. Just kind of going through the the nuances to ensure that this is. This is able to get out on the door of a quickly and be a resource to families that truly are within that gap in time that want to avoid having emergency situation but want to avoid an eviction and the record as we know that whether or not it's upheld and the court, it's still the fact that there's connection filed will continue to be. At 10. It's housing record and potentially the endurance to future opportunities. So I do see areas and opportunities for us to the aunt and that side of prevention to kind of come along with that
partnership, you know, representing one of the wards where we have 5, 5, point to 1, 0, 6, 5, 5, 1, 1, 7, in the city and Saint Paul that have some of the highest eviction rates in our city and the county. And I think that this is really important for a step in the direction and even had a wonderful conversation today with Saint Paul Minnesota Foundation who is interested communicating and talking a little bit about this program. So Director Newton, is there anything that you want to add just kind of to clarify and bring over to you, Thank you. Chair Johnson commissioners as mentioned. We did bring a presentation on the guidelines of the previous meeting. And so today we're back just for that for the or your aproval of the guidelines will flag that this is a new program. So
we're still setting up the infrastructure for. Accepting the applications process quickly pain, landlords electronically, checking or work in a database over not quite ready to launch. I think we'll be rady to solidly to lunch within 30 days of them looking it. I housing team. They're all like not. Said. So that's our goal. But this would get guidelines finalized so that we can we can finish building the infrastructure for this program. Correct. And I thought that it was important to still bring the island the front of this body to. And we're all here and we actually can have some questions and more. Any final thoughts about that? Is there discussion or questions around this item for commissioners? Commissioner maker thanks to and no questions, but I just wanted to thank you so much for your leadership on this. This is something that you have had as a vision that you
have. And steering towards since I think they it's just really exciting to have watched to champion this. Get it to this point. And now we will have this emergency rental assistance fund that we've never had before because of your leadership. So thank you for everything you've Any other commissioners as Thank you so much. Council PRESIDENT Commission, an acre on those comments as well. It's been fun, too, be able to be a part of this. But I think in reality, so many things, just a prime example, how so many pieces have to fall into place to provide the opportunity to try something, maybe even return council for bringing back new and make it work for our time now. So have time. Other commissioners have comments or questions one last
Okay. Seeing none. I'll take a motion from. Council member Commissioner Kim to approve all those in favor. All of the posts. They're 6 and favors or oppose. The resolution is adopted. For taking as we head into the final item, a of the agenda I am really excited about this. This is another program the spotty has really led and been vocal about the need council continues to really prioritize along with the h or a b investment and our commercial corridors. And I know that during the last budget cycle and even just in the pevious years that was, you unanimously supported when it comes to are. View is ability to invest in our commercial corridors. And so here's another example of a newer program that's
coming in place that we have had phenomenal staff working tirelessly on trying to provide some guidelines that create a program that can get rhesus out the door and that can ultimately supporting fights businesses all across the city. So I will hand over to director didn't. Thank you. Chair Johnson commissioners, as you mentioned, we've been working for a few months with U.S. Council PRESIDENT Commissioner Nick or all of you really to design a new another new program to support or commercial corridors. Principal project manager Daniel of the rent. He's here today. Also supervisor on our team with a presentation on the framework with together with all of your input, we're hoping get the final in that from you today. Before we bring back the guidelines like
we did on emergency rent assistance, stay and prepare to launch that program. So this is fear listening and giving any last, but a final input and then will finalize guidelines. And turn it over to Daniel. thank you. Director Newton Thank you. Chair commissioners as director news to runs and work in our economic development team. And I am talking to you today about the introduction to our commercial corridor organization Assistance Program, Sea Cope, name pending. If you've got comments and that I also want to thank the people on my team that have been helping with all this. Jamie and Andy have been really instrumental as with I think everybody is seeing this program so far. Nothing gets without a huge listen, everybody and I don't
want that to to go without the event. All right. So a little bit of background Cherry aready mentioned this in 2024. You all as the city council reserved 1.4 million dollars in economic development star to stand up a program dedicated to him. Assisting organizations along our commercial corridors in the city. What we're calling now seek help just a little bit of economic development. Star funds are a little bit different than neighborhoods are cltural star in your own star, which is what you all are probably most familiar with little bit more flexible. They don't need to be used only for cpital expenses. They don't need to go 3 separate board the way that neighborhood star year-round star and cultural starting to purr star law. Which makes it the perfect kind of fund flexible fund do something different. To think about how we're doing things a
little bit differently. So with that, what we're thinking about here, the goal of the program is to provide dollars to organizations in as simple and streamlined of the way as we can to avance economic development projects and programs on those corridors. And Saint Paul. Itried really hard to get at least one picture of each corridor between All right. So what we did want to do before we started making an entire program is we want to hear from businesses and organizations about what they need along these corridors. So in 2024, as probably remember, we did have a public comment period that we've got a lot of great information from organizations. And of course, Steph is constantly hearing from businesses, organizations, nonprofits. We're doing lots of work in the community that helped us the where we're at today with our guidelines. I did want to
raise few of the things that we did hear. This is not an exhaustive list, but I would say these are the ones that we kind of continuously have been hearing as we're talking to organizations and businesses. One of the things that's funding for beautification efforts sort of placemaking along these corridors to make them feel. Different, unique. What do you feel when you go to the West side and you're driving on a certain corridor and how that different than maybe a Grand Avenue? Funding for administrative costs is the one that's come up again and aain and again. So we do account for that in this program. That's just to literally give these organizations who've really tight budgets, the ability to use some of these dollars to run their programs and their projects. Funding for planning before implantation. So this was an interesting one. What you're really looking at here is what organizations need to
do to basically put infrastructure in place to be able to run additional programming. Whether this means hiring consultants literally putting together a plan, whatever that looks like. That's what this but the defending the book like. And then in general, just flexible resources to support businesses. We've got a great program in star. Problem with it is it is only for capital expenses. Businesses don't just need help with capital expenses. We kind of heard. So that's what represents. So the program structure we are trying to make this look as similar to the District Council program structure as we can, which I'm considering kind of like a direct contracting programs is not a competitive solicitation or application. What we're doing is identifying organizations that have a history working
along Jennifer Quarters, which we will talk next. Each receive an allocation another 17 quarter about $82,000 corridor funds must be spent within one year receiving allocation. It's a program funded through this will not be eligible to receive additional city or a $20 for the exact same scope. I think probably see show up is if there's organization that's a beating us up granting program to neighborhood They can't do the exact program with the starters 2. That's just gonna take some staff time as we're running applications. But I think we'll get there. We talk to each other. These are the proposed geography is again, these are just We've been having different conversations with each of you and happy to sit down. We haven't gotten to talk yet to talk to some of the geography. Is there 70 corridors here? Generally, the
Follow-on District Council lines and more lines in the city. And then again, eligible organizations. So this program will only be open to identified organizations. Those organizations will include district councils, business support or and that have a history of supporting economic development on those corridors. We are allowing for organizations to apply partnerships as well. So certainly if there is smaller organizations of organizations that want to work together, we're really encouraging them to work together to execute these different programs. None of this funding will be. And i think it's important to just make sure we keep saying this because it is a little bit different than star is going directly to businesses that would have to flow through. These patients. Alright, potential eligible activities. And again, we are open to. They're expanding these. I have happy to hear feedback
from you all today, but I can run through them very quickly here again, quarter wide beautification efforts, public art installations, development plans, quarter marketing campaigns, execution of community events, business grants and again, up to 10% of funds, at least right now that put the number and that can be used for indirect costs. Are administrative style cost for these programs? Notice that some these have maximums, according court. I want to commissioner just a chance to ask the question. I almost MR. Had to about Doing fabulous Commissioner Thank you. Chair Genson. I question of for the eligible organizations. So it's only open to identified organizations. So does that mean that there's that kind of inventory or list of who those
organizations are in the it sounds like if you're not there, you just have to be in partnership with them. The to Johnson commissioner. Just that's exactly right. So what we did we did send out to you all kind of who we've already identified along the corridors. We aren't necessarily been exhausted and that list there are other groups that you want us to work with your certainly open to that. But yes, if you're not on the list as an organization, they are certainly welcome to partner with those other organizations. I think what we're really focused on, especially this is like a brand new program and thinking it a lot like a pilot is somebody that can get it done in a year and see where we can get. And then the next year we think about who else we could include. It's fun to the course kicks. Yeah. And just question I had a similar
question will be when we talked about the stream everything and I think one of the nice things about the way the structure this is that because I also brought up And organization that we don't know about comes forward and wants to apply. We should encourage that. I think having this partnership model ensures that even if it's a new organization, they're doing this work with the blessing of the existing District Councilor business support organization, because we wouldn't want to have happen is how one of those organizations come forward sort of go rogue, then received a request from the Business Association District Council and suddenly be in the position of having being able to grant twice to one area. So I think this is and they spirit of the 2. The 2 goals. The question I had to do with
the I think about to talk about this MAY be the science, but the maximum about project and why we are setting maximum amounts for certain types of Sheriff Johnson Commission and great question. I will say we don't necessarily maximum might even be a misnomer here. I think we are willing to go over and above that. $25,000 is where most of our compliance starts to kick in. So we're just gonna have to be really clear in our guidelines, particularly it relates like prevailing wage, which can alter the cost of the project they're being up front about it. And again, we're mostly probably gonna be working with or to set seen and this before. So it should just be like, are we educating for them? But it's a good reminder for us to just anything with construction. $25,000 or over going to have some additional wrk they're
gonna have to do in the compliance side. And just for clarity to follow-up, just so I cling to is it 20 like is that 24 $1999? That is like because I think that also make a difference or is right at 25 is when the compliance cuts children's great question. It's 24 9.99, at that again. Not saying somebody couldn't go over project couldn't get larger than that. I think we just want to be really straightforward. It also impacts the way that we're able to disperse funds. As well, particularly for construction projects now say this. This limit is only for construction projects. We have other compliance things that we have to do. But prevailing wage always seems t be the one that treats people up because can have the most impact on a project in the long term. Commissioner, thanks to Johnson. I would recommend then since we're
trying to make this easy to use and really give as much flexibility as possible to the applicants to use the money as they see fit to to not. Have a maximum set. But then to your point to be very clear about the level at which complaints that sent What the implications of that would be for the project. Yes. Her face and that I have a question about the business of grand. Can you give examples of what that money could be used for? Church Johnson commissioner Yank the question. It's a little right now. I'm questions. I think certainly facade picks up programs different kind of work that maybe they want to install a parklet in front of their space. Something like that could certainly be used. If you those other room, it's open enough that I want to hear from the organization's. But let there
be would be willing and able to fund within that year too. So. If there are things that we definitely want in, there are things you definitely don't want. I think we should understand that before we finalize the program, but it's intentionally babe right now. For that yet. Yp, that's helpful to know. I'm I I'm wondering if doubt, just give an example just so that I have caused You'll have contacts to one of the conversations were actually like that. Asked that's been brought up by the district Councils and Mary and business associations, especially with the and dot happening on our Kate Street is is that I'm really getting new financial aid t businesses that are going to be impacted. And so there's definitely going to be a loss of revenue for businesses. And
so the question has been like, can there be any sort of flex dollars that businesses can apply for so that the case of lost revenue, they can use that to pay for rent for their business or I'm not sure that the even the conversation on, you know, payment for workers that hasn't come up yet. But that's something I'm even thinking about. So is is it flexible to the point where that money could be used for those sort of things? And if you don't have any answer, we can definitely talk about it to Johnson commissioning I'm gonna take that one just because they're source and better conversation around that like specific situation. But There's a whole lot of construction that's going to be coming up and some of its It's my count on some of its U.S. And and there's there's not a universe of enough money
to to make it painless for every business. And so if if you start to go down that you get to your conduct, potentially picking favorites. It's a little bit challenging. So I would caution against that specific identification of use for that. Well, it's not a whole lot of money that we have for each quarter anyway. But I would say with the grant program if they're looking to sub grant to businesses for some sort of operating expenses. Ok? But if it's specifically tied to like we're doing this because it's compensation for, you know, transportation construction, then it starts to get kind of. A lttle stickier to some extent. So we just I just flags. That trend likes naming that makes it big kind a big situation that you start to be looking at picking favorites.
And so we can talk about it more. But I just want for that question Okay yet. I get what you're saying. I think trying to just figure out what sort language we can. Create a round that's with. And there's clearly that would be really important because I know that that will be something about a fiery side entrepreneurs and the people asking about that understood. By Commissioner thank you for bringing that up to. We've been in a lot of those discussions. Were mayor related to mitigation tie funding for some of the construction projects that are happening in our area. So I think that clarity but be really helpful. So folks to know that and also not to like provides different opinions, but also just coming into the standpoint of the 24 $25,000 maximum could you just clarify against each district quarters
e? $2000 the one thing I would not offer, but also for not even related to like the expenses of the business is costing more. But they're being an ability to serve more than one business this year with in the corridors would be like that would be the one thing I would see from keeping the the maximum amount says would be that kind of for some of the trust that identified organizations too, also put resources in multiple places throughout the quarter of this is just the one. But that's just my thinking out loud today. That was just But I saw I commissioner thank you. I really appreciate seeing the potential eligible activities and looked at the recommended partner organizations in the and we don't have that many to be honest. And we've a really
great race gender lines on The really incredible work. And then our our District council had just become its on like cdc. There's no one that was doing that. Certain developments on. It's not too bad. The Business Association, but hasn't really had like sense the pandemic. And so it's just to say some of eligible activities are really appealing because the race record or needs a lot of investment. Vitality, but also like kind of the same Lake neighborhood identity. We talk a lot neighborhood identities in the city. Feels like the north and is the one that people never know where it is. Driver. 3, no idea. So some of these ac just like having really meaningful impact also appreciate the predators around, you know, finalizing the plans and implementing those plans within a certain
timeframe because for other programs that we've worked what I was hoping, you know, North and development team, you know, some of the organizations like and funded, they don't always have the scene capacity and agility like navigate star and and understand like how to submit receipts and things like that. And so having that kind of trusted reliable and experienced partner organization is incredibly important because then sometimes some of your eggs will leave kind of money on the table because they're not able to sort of like navigate and to feel sort of the check boxes that we require. So looking at you know, I really appreciate the conversations that we had an icy my feet back being included. So I really appreciate that. A lot. To John says commission come just to add on that. Think this is a pilot that we've you know, it's a new thing that I this week.
To your point. We 82,000 per code or whatever. But this is successful in and you'll find that this is actually the better way to support corridors than you know, next year when we do. We should talk about. Like, is there more to given away from something else and go towards this? So it'll be a learning experience. And and I promise it'll be. Because it is, you know, when we start something new but will work with u n. So I just say that for the shoe, this is where we are, but it'll be a good learning experience. And if that's a better path for the quarter, so we we should talk about what we do with it going forward from like a funding perspective taken guidelines as needed just to make to make it even better. So thank you for Thank you for direction. A rate of commissioner to the general public. I wouldn't trust her head or not. If
don't think. I want talk a little bit about the funding process. So I will caution here. APRIL 1st is just a place holder I don't know that be ready by But and tension is to get this out. The door relatively quickly because organizations are anticipating mess and we also want to get to work at the staff level. But what we're anticipating is really it's not really like releasing rfp. It's essentially sending smething out to organizations. Giving them a deadline to apply what we are anticipating within that if, but they did open on APRIL first that it would close on JUNE. 1st. Well, except applications proposals on a rolling basis. And then as soon as we get them in work with those organizations to get them under contract, to make sure
that they can start getting their money and get to work. So anticipate kind of end to end. It would probably take an organization about 3 months from Wake application working with staff to scope something getting under contract. And then doing and getting money. It was sort of depend on what they're actually doing. their proposed project or And then the other thing that we're planning to do is quarterly check ins with these organizations. Again, a lot of these organizations are already meeting with regularly. So it's probably just gonna be formalizing conversations were probably already having with them. But we're going to specifically be asking them to come to the table different outcomes, progress and weather app with
their programs and projects problems that they're having in ways that we can kind of solve these together. Because what we really, really do need to see what economic development star is economic development outcomes that the really big broad category. But this is one of those good ways that we can track that. And then we're also going anticipate skeptics skipping and fight ahead. And that at the end of the year, the organization should be sending to us. And in your report of some sorts, we can have data that we're tracking Overton Chair Johnson and commissioners want to fly right? As we're going back to that timeline, you know, ideally, this is a calendar year like the District Council contracts in the budget goes so well over Saint one-year like in my head, it would actually probably make more sense for this year to be like through the end of calendar year. And you've got, you know, not not
a whole year to do it this year or somehow at some point do some some way to get on the calendar year, especially because some of them are district councils and they're doing their annual contract anyway. So think about that. And what would make the most sense? It MAY be that this year we just want to say, you know, you've got to the end of the year or I don't know if we feel can like we're committed to having it in the budget for next year. Then towards the end of this year, they can start working on their scope for, you know, for 2026 will be thinking about that. It's going again be a little a little bit harder the first year because it's a new program that ideally that's a cadence I think would make better sense of just for you. Commissioner maker, thanks Johnson. I'm glad mentioned direction. Instead of thinking the same I know that. I think all of us spoke
about the fact that this is ongoing need and not something that we saw as one time, even though it. funded the fund $10. I think there's a general appetite for this to be ongoing. So I do think it would be great for there to be a sequence here where organizations are able to apply for the next year trying to funding without their having to be a huge gap between the end project in the beginning of the next. Obviously this time we're kicking it We have to have a gap that I would strongly endorse having some sort of system like that where we're starting a few months before the end of the year so that they can start even JANUARY. First with the next year's funding. I hd a follow-up question for you direction. And then on yellow just about how potentially some of the findings, if at all, would looked at in our even take
into account with our economic development strategy. That's a great question. Chair Johnson and commissioners, the economic development strategy will will focus on quarters, of course, but it's it will focus on really big citywide economic development issues. We have. We you know, like housing. My cousin productions, not comment on the issue property tax base and the fact that we have. You know, so so many properties that don't produce property tax revenue. That's an economic development issue. Retail leakage is an economic development issue. So there's a it we will look at these outcomes and and talk about That's kind a little bit more micro and we really need to look at macro economics for the city and what our challenges are. So it'll hold
in. But it's I want to keep socializing that what we need to look at as a city that we haven't done in the past really is really like what is the biggest economic issues facing the city? And that involves a lot of things. And it's bigger and maybe things that ship second, they're harder to turn, but we need to identify them. So but definitely these of these are pieces of that. Ok? Thank you, sergeant. And then I think just sense to piggyback off of Commissioner Nick Nurse 2, I comments previously. As we near like the end of a kind of open. As we're ending towards the end of it. I think that there's a means to ability to kind of Wolf. Q in what's happening in the first year into but potentially could happen in future years a simple, you know, execution of reporting or feedback realm, even if a full like contract period is a little bit longer or a little further than maybe harsh DECEMBER 31st and of year
deadline. And it sounds like this some appetite from commissioners to just at least feel it only lenient, but also then it's cute. Some of our budget discussions are budget conversations. If there is a a but carport bat. He said that for those that are wanted this first year, it could be really helpful just to get them in understanding that this is usually how would launch if it was starting. And I think that really plays into play if the timelines for to get closer to JUNE. On the spectrum of APRIL, 1st to JUNE first and that's like 2 months. But I can make a really big difference in the world of, you especially if summer is short and winter comes early like there's a lot of things when it comes to contracting pain the project. What you're trying to do, weather could be a factor. And so I think that it would really great. Just
like have somewhere in the timeline, a pencil then, you know, regardless of when it starts, how I starts, that would be like an expectation to report back out, at least for this first year. That's communicated to. To the partners working indeed and all Daniella and onto this, too. But Chair Johnson and commissioners, one of the things tat we have had struggles with with neighborhood stars like. We need At some point there has to be in a line in the sand that says if you don't get your country, your work done or get under contract and like with money back the pot, right and start over and you can play again. But but you can't just hold onto forever. So there's that balance between being flexible and inequitable and having like a line in the sand. So that's one thing. The other thing
I'll sy is we hope that these quarterly meetings that we have a fund that we have stories to tell. And and so you'll be hearing about over time as the quarterly like, well, we just didn't want to just have checked boxes. We want to say send us pictures of what you did so we can amplify tose like that kind of energy. It's what we want to keep building on. So we'll be reporting back with us. We'll be sharing social media posts and so you'll hear about at tmes all the time, not just at the end of the year when we have like report to As I turned over my paper to the next slide. Daniels gonna get right into what I so sorry us and back. right. So next steps finalizing guidelines again face and yells, feedback and please, if you want a more in-depth biefing or to sit down with us, we're happy to
continue to talk about To make sure that using these dollars as you all are hearing from your words consistently as well. And then we receive our final approval, which will actually go back to the city council. Believe he is not not certainly. But of course, we'll keep you all updated. And then we're hoping to open the program again. We don't have a solid date yet, but I don't want to get too far out. Summer is always the busiest season for everybody. And as it relates running these programs, we don't want to MISS That window to give them also the opportunity to get something done by the end of the That's a conflict chair and commissioner set. It just starts. Technically city funding. So we're overdoing this briefing here. We need to think through like, you know, what does it all
doesn't need to get approved what does it live? But for the purposes of this discussion where we're having the discussion about here, but it's technically city fund. Thanks Johnson and always worried about with the city council but about I just wanted flag. This looks great. I'm really, really grateful to you telling your entire team for making this happen so quickly. I know we can make APRIL 1st half of just like just see that we're going make But I did just want to say, I'm I'm hopeful that we have all 17 areas apply after that. It could see there MAY be being some that lag behind especially given that we're dividing a certain amount of money 17 and the dollars that anybody doesn't claim are just sitting there and not being
used. Really want to make sure you're in contact with us as to when there isn't an application coming from an area and are words that we can help make sure that that does come I think that's a great flag as well and would be happy to kind of join in on Like I look forward even with abc, the resources I feel like all of our money is green. And I think one of the things that we really can as a partnership is really just getting this out the door to community members who are in need of it. I saw commissioner game the Commissioner Kim and then I saw commissioner U.S. Are Johnson. I just wanted to make overall comments. I very supportive of you presented today. What's really good is that in each word like there, there seems to be a good balance between life
business corridors being spread out and in each ward. So families looking at that in terms of wanting to make sure money is quickly in our city. The other I do have a couple of questions. I know that in one of the questions we asked the very beginning, like the very first presentation about the fund here. Let's whether the program would be or the grant program with the reimbursement based. And so can you touched on that and then? Also, if it isn't, how how do we ensure that the the funds are being used to be that it's being applied So just a bit about accountability on that as well. You chair genson country. And that's a really good question. We're still working through that from the legal side. I think. If we can find a way to disperse some funds up front. That is also something we
heard from organizations pretty consistently through this process is that it's hard to start some of these things without some. Money in the first place, it's going to depend on what exactly they're applying for its kind of sticky with construction projects. Again, going back to like some of the compliance things that still need to do. But I think if we can figure out how much can France they can play front and just do right away. That either means maybe as soon as I got invoice, if it can only be reimbursement, we can get that through or maybe there's a percentage of funds, cultural start does reimbursed or not. They disperse upfront 80%. Kind of looking at that model to see like what they do and how it can be applied to this program. It's kind of a legal question that we do need to get some clarity. And question you're little Johnson commissioning. I'm gonna add on to that because I think
Mike with the district councils. budget right base, they turn enough program and they say this is what we're going to do and we give them the money and they do it. And that would be my preference. It's going to take a lot more work if we have lot more work. If we have to Jack Henry embers. So my preference would be that when they can under contract program that they've committed to doing and we give them the money and they do it. And they report that. And so I'm I'm looking at Sam, but that's you know, that's that's that would be the ideal situation is not to micromanage it and to trust these organizations that this is a program he said you would do and here's the funding and go do that. For this year, given $80,000 which we should look at them, risk benefit of that
and the amount of time that we have to spend administering it and think that. And we really concerned like the work will get done or not, you know, so I'm just setting and the team is that of they're used to that they're they're trying to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Ranks of the nature is to like city out. But the that, you know, there's also efficiency peace you know, common sense kind of peace. We need to be able to give them the comfort like do this. We've got your back in the you know, we're going we're going to put some trust in our organizations. And and this is how we're going to do it. So we can talk that through more. But that I the perspectives that thinking We've got to have yours. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about that. I I would love to be able to see like For example, year and report on the projects like which ones are completed. That's the profession for some of the
project. I just say that because even when I think about year-round start money that I can't out to work 6, is an organization sometimes sometimes I don't hear back on. Hey, here's our heart project is going and that sometimes the end up not using the money at all and then the money. It's just there and I could we can to ready. But I don't there is unlike any sort of it seems like closure at all for the project. So I would love that information and just being. But I hear that whether it's a year-end report o something like, you know, something to come back to the here with the great and then also I know when when you didn't to eye staff to meet with me for iput, I mentioned
it. I suggested like a, you know, a few spots and my more like nearly avenue like there's a lot of businesses along it. And I was wondering, does qualify as a business quarter? But I would say that even though right now it is into it. I don't see emerge as a business quarter. I think that's where the good is that area businesses outside of the smart business quarters. They can still apply for for neighborhood star, for example. So I think that's a good backup in Maine, a very supportive of quarters that we do have a here right now. And then I will suggest a few organizations and my word to you all that MAY be able to be the one handling like the money as Thank you, Commissioner Ken, thank you. Again, just a props to staff because they see again, see some of the things that I had a conversation. Reflected here. One of the
things that I offered up was talking about how we're prioritizing vacant spaces as a way to turn on tax base and some of the greatest opportunities and I'll speak loan a along race Street. We have more. It feels it feels this not be the truth. But I drive or a signal times day and it feels like there are more opportunities to fill spaces and there are filled. And so it's just to say, I think the one of the greatest opportunities is opening businesses that neighborhoods get to use and patron and walked 2 and you start to build a sense of community. But also it's turning on a tax base ad building infrastructure within buildings that like no one's rented gets they MAY not even have a hood for a kitchen yet. And so some of these dollars or even building on future businesses that could come
into the corridor. But also with that, then it sort of thinking, oh, you know, strategically and I know Johnson and I share this a lot around Tacoma equity across the city and we're investing. And I really appreciate that's a list of this approach. As we continue for trick future conversations that it does feel like. How are we maintaining and prioritizing the expansion of our tax base of these dollars? So really, really appreciative. Also echo as the other side of guns. Others echo that Maryland Avenue is a lot of opportunities as well. So for future quarter considerations would love to see Maryland noon. On that now and then I brought up in our conversation. But for future topics for sure. And yeah, just really grateful for the Thank you. And I Commissioner
also has a question on that day. And I just wanted to. Highlight or acted and become a. So my strength. That is a strip mall that down that has several local businesses and Ward 7 often as potential add on to. Suburban old Hudson solely because like the Southeast community organization is one of the list of partners and my word, it is a place that they are representing and being a part of in partnership. But it's it's often missed because unless you're our corner of like between Battle Creek in Hollywood Hills, you missed that intersection and they often don't qualify for programs as a result of That's kind of what happened with the Promise Act. And we had to go back and just kind of let folks know that they were
there. And I know we had visit earlier and last year with the saying some of the some of the businesses about that. And so there's like one specific place that could fit within the corridor of of Suburbans on Hudson and especially in the future just because it's kind of a stand-alone. But it's there. And it's often sometimes MISS. But I know that some of that this us primarily all and all throughout this trip. And so it just felt pretty strongly that that should be considered. It's off a floor after the night. And appreciate the the mayor, the Maryland, not here, not in the center for not driving on some of the So you're getting some of the places. I'm sure the Bears for to talk about that, if not with the creation of a new quarter. Fisher inclusion
of the one that is preexisting because some of those are already covered by some of our Eastside Thiessen. Local organizations as well. Commissioner thank you, Chair Genson and thank you so much, Daniel, the hardworking your team. I'm so excited. I was really excited for this commercial corridor. I mean, excited for all hr meetings, but this plan just because there's a there's so excitement, anticipation, particularly for my word. As you know, you're aware like there's so many studies. I see this as opportunity to really incorporate the revitalization Selby study what, 10 years ago, 15 years ago speaking with conversation with many of the stakeholders. Business owners up and down. So the who have shared with me in my office around some of the unfulfilled plans that
came out of the study pothead. How this gives opportunities to actually explore implementing some of those recommendations that are already like one of those eligibility. Ys, another thing I wanted discuss and I and I know me and you are going to briefing on this and I. Plan to talk about a more in depth. But other words, my experience is absurdly to Councilmember Kym, that there's really high turnover. And just really a lack of business associations of capacity and no, particularly for word wind. Those 2 organizations that was identified Midway Chamber of Commerce and Rondo Community Land Trusts were Chamber of Commerce's entity that provides business up or membership bays advocacy. But many businesses along the corridor, which are small
businesses still have the capacity are really the means to stay updated. Our become members and even with around a communal land they really knew early. And there in expansion of commercial corridors. So that was something that. Just kind of oversight and looking at. For district councils that share a lot of that bandwidth of of our local businesses to be part of that stakeholders. Also want just just to like in dc you know, cdfi that's on the corridor universe the they have a wide span and support, provide technical assistance and have a relationship. I see that as a as a the acid to to this process also Im looking to how all of our other studies that are going to be in partnership. I'm excited to see how the Contra corridor studies and like there's a
couple Rondo neighborhood studies and you know the seed of funding can actually help compliment a lot of those. Implementations and also compliment really best to lose. You know this. That word word for it. I mean, really out Have the summertime is really is when we start seen at visibility and vitality and our neighborhood. So I'm excited for it. I know I'm going to be looking to have more engagement. And in my ward. So people are aware of this businesses have the opportunity get access to it. sharing, is that a hand? I think Sarah Johnson, I just have one thing that I would like to discuss with you more if Al and I would see just so one of my conversation with
good it basically the commercial corridors. Like earlier I mentioned, I think it's good that we have quarters all throughout different boards. But but i did notice here is for the pain Arcade 7 straight U.S. Business corridors. It's together. And so I I would. Say that our community and the side and even for me, you say there, too, I see those a separate quarters and maybe you could get together because you pretty much have the same district councils in that area and business associations that are working together to bring more investments to those 3 separate corridors. And so where I some protective where I see an equity was pup would probably be if we were to lump
up a lot of this this quarter's together, then it could mean less money going to a certain area where they typically don't funding. And so and just bring it up. An example here like snowing. It's broken up into 3 separate business corridors. Here yu and snowing in southeast only 14, Cleveland. So I would like to revisit that a bit more just to get your around it. But I do think that that tere can be more separation between some of these quarters here. Chad Johnson and commissioner, you MAY have the same question that's completely fine. And it just makes a little bit less money for each corridor. But then you've got, you know, again, like the same. So that's that's why we're asking about like, what? Do you feel about the geography is where with the split make sense? Who would be
the? Prime, you know, organization in each of those quarters. And we can certainly talk through it. But if all of the colleagues are comfortable with like find that like. If that if we need to make some tweaks and that we just need to recognize that that will impact the amount of money which is not going to be huge deal ether way and then maybe we can land on. You know, at some point we need to land on what's the final the final map in the final number of corridors but we can work through that. This is this is what Proposed been appreciating. What you're what you're saying. Yeah, thank you. And that that would be something that I encourage all my colleagues to think about, too, because the you are the ones who know exact the engagement between organizations in our communities pretty much, you know, where the corridors in area is too. So just sharing that based on my own
observation of the word 6 quarters which also intersects into and 7 and maybe even a bit of work to That's exactly what you've been chair and commissioner. That's exactly what we're looking for. And feedback space like these are your words. You a look at this map feel like there's there's you know, some we can we can give you the specific sort press street. So we're thinking you're looking at a map. But if we want, if you want to give you like a spreadsheet that has like this is where it starts, this is pregnant. We do need your final kind of input on that as quickly as possible. But that's exactly the kind of input were looking for because w've got we've got to put out a guy and guidelines that have those geographies. And so we really need to finalize what those
are. Thoughts about But I think because mostly from the lens of hearing commissioner but also knowing. Yes, nc, any sodomy also be helpful, especially on east side when it comes to the input of how they're viewing the corridors. But the mitigation find, for example, all requests that's going to the state government is for those 3 streets. And so it didn't personally fight for me in my ward is like issue but also on stand in the way like a real conversation about that. They the same different quarters. Weeks. So could be a good follow to half. I think we're at the question, question fight. So there's no for year. But other question that this is like continue to have interest and engagement like I'm like, is a happy. Thank you. CHAIRMAN Fashions from a tree. Have any
questions. It says any other commissioner have any last thoughts. All right. Commissioner Kemp, a continuation of my deep gratitude is something that came out of our council priorities and to see this the table as we just pastor last retreat. But have it come to fruition? I think demonstrates both leadership of the Hasson presenters of the jury and the strong partnership that we have a staff and with the administration. So I'm just really appreciative. It's really it's just been really wonderful to see this go from an idea to actual ising and making sure that every word gets a shot at the money and to make sure that we're investing equally across the city. So I just really appreciate leadership.
Second as MR. Kim, like when we're going through the process and the procedure, I think this has been really great to see, Wolf, this past program as well. So that's when I come into fruition and really just be met with that curiosity and how do we get it So that's been really cool to see and witness haven't brought to this body too. At least 10 check. And I think just being able to encourage commissioners to if there's questions you have like, I'm Daniella and the team that's working directly on this is open to them. So thank you so much for your work and presenting in front of us today. Look beautiful. Have presentation and the but it's still free to reach out to We're happy to talk through more of these things. Questions are what we need answered before we can serve the perfect. thank you. Thank you. Well, that brings us to
have different agenda. Jack Johnson, I just like and that I think we will not have a meeting next week. I'm out your out. We don't have any items. So I wanted to just confirm that with you in like a colleagues know if that's the case. And that will each other is great flag. Would have to remiss if I didn't acknowledge that. Commissioner just celebrated birthday. And yes, we will not meet next week on Wednesday. Am I just signed the cancellation of this we won't be having a meeting next week, but we will all be back again 26. Happy birthday You all are welcome stop in