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RiversideCA.gov
RIVERSIDE REWARDS PROGRAMCity CouncilDecember 9, 2025Community & Economic Development RiversideCA.gov2
Riverside faces growing competition that impacts local business vitality:1. Retail leakage to online and regional competitors.2. Visibility challenges for small, independent businesses.3. Need to boost resident confidence in choosing local options.BACKGROUND 11/26/2025
2 RiversideCA.gov3
Riverside Rewards provides a digital cash-back incentive to shop local:1. Built on the BluDot Open Rewards platform.2. Reward fund of $50,000 to support up to 500 local businesses.3. Launch times with Holiday Season Campaigns.BACKGROUND: PILOT OVERVIEW RiversideCA.gov4
1. Residents download the Open Rewards app2. Shop at 500 participating Riverside businesses 3. Earn rewards automatically and redeem them citywide4. App tracks spending and provides City with dashboards and impact dataDISCUSSION: HOW IT WORKS
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1. 10% rewards during launch day2. 5% ongoing rewards during the pilot3. Rewards paid from the City’s $50,000 Rewards Fund.4. User & Business caps ensure equitable distribution of rewards.DISCUSSION: REWARD STRUCTURE RiversideCA.gov6
1. 500 independent, local small businesses during annual program2. Prioritized retail, cafes, restaurants, wellness categories3. Excluded chains, liquor stores, smoke shops 4. Balanced distribution across all seven wards5. Holiday Season Campaigns include Hot Chocolate Trail and in-app Holiday Gift Guide.DISCUSSION: PARTICIPATION & EQUITY 11/26/2025
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That the City Council:1. Approve the Riverside Rewards App Pilot Program; and2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and rewards budget not to exceed $50,000.RECOMMENDATIONS