City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor Clauzel and Members of the City Council
FROM: Fernando Ulloa, City Manager
BY: Johanna Ferriera, Programs Manager
MEETING DATE: September 2, 2025
ITEM NO: 7.1
SUBJECT: Appoint one council member to serve on the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Review Panel.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Appoint one council member to serve on the Downtown Façade Improvement Grant Review Panel.
BACKGROUND
The City has established a Downtown Façade Improvement Program to provide financial assistance to commercial property and business owners for façade improvements to buildings located within the Downtown core through a competitive grant process. The program is intended to stimulate private investment, enhance the appearance of the streetscape, and support the revitalization of the downtown area in alignment with Recommendation 3 of the Downtown Master Plan.
The program offers two matching grant opportunities:
· Storefront Improvement Grant: Up to 50% of eligible construction costs, with a maximum award of $20,000.
· Sign/Awning Grant: Up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum award of $2,000.
A total of $100,000 in funding has been allocated to this program.
ANALYSIS
Applications will be evaluated on criteria such as alignment with program goals, visual and aesthetic impact, program feasibility, and long-term economic impact. To ensure fairness and transparency, a review will score and rank applications using an established scoring matrix.
Schedule:
· Application Period: August 20 - October 2, 2025
· Informational Meeting: September 3, 2025
· Review Panel Scoring: October 6 - October 17, 2025
Staff is requesting that the Council designate one council member to serve on the review panel alongside staff representatives, a Planning Commission member, a Downtown Revitalization Committee member, and a Chamber of Commerce representative.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional fiscal impact beyond the previously approved $100,000 for the Downtown Façade Improvement Program.