The Colusa City Council last week authorized grant writer Fernanda Vanetta to go after a grant that could help local business owners spruce up the look of their establishments.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development has made $30 million in funding available through the federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program for the 2022 funding year.
“Colusa is eligible,” she said.
Vanetta said the funding could help the city establish a low or no-cost grant program for local business owners to improve and remodel the facades of their building in the commercial corridors of the city.
CDBG funds purposely expand economic opportunities in communities, principally for the benefit of low-to-moderate income persons, families, households, and neighborhoods. LMI is defined as neighborhoods, families, households, and individuals whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the county median income, as adjusted by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for family household size
Funding has also been allocated for grants targeting Economic Development Activities
Vanetta said the objectives of a facade improvement program are to make businesses in Colusa more attractive and productive, increase community pride, help local business expand or attract new business development, and encourage visitors to stay longer and return often.
“There are multiple benefits of improving store facades,” Vanetta said. “A lot of shoppers feel that if a store’s facade looks unappealing, then the merchandise inside would also be distasteful.
Vanetta said a commercial downtown with good-looking facades is more likely to be perceived by visitors as a charming and safe shopping center.
“They will consequently be more inclined to return,” she said.
According to CDBG requirements, funding must benefit low-moderate-incomes, but also retain or hire new employees.
Vanetta said that with every $32,000 spent, one full-time equivalent job must be created or retained. ■