SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the recommended updates to the Downtown Commercial Grant Program guidelines related to grant fund disbursement procedures and eligible payees.
Body
SUMMARY:
Staff requests approval of administrative clarifications to the Downtown Commercial Grant Program guidelines. These updates do not change the program intent, eligibility requirements, or funding structure, but provide additional clarity regarding who may receive grant disbursements and how funds may be distributed.
The clarifications outline that grant funds may be paid directly to the applicant, licensed contractor(s), or approved vendor(s), as authorized by the CRA Director and consistent with the approved grant agreement. The updates also define reimbursement procedures, required documentation, and circumstances in which partial disbursements may be approved prior to project completion.
These clarifications are intended to improve transparency, consistency, and administrative efficiency in program implementation. Staff worked with the City Attorney’s Office to ensure the language provides clearer guidance while maintaining the original intent of the program.
This program meets the following goals and objectives of the Downtown Clearwater Community Redevelopment Plan:
People Goal, page 46
• Objective 1E: Maintain Cleveland Street as Downtown’s Main Street which is valued for its historic charter and pedestrian scale
• Objective 1D: Encourage a variety of office-intensive businesses, including finance, and insurance, IT/software, professional services and medical to relocate and expand in Downtown to provide a stable employment center.
Amenity Goal, page 47
• Objective 3G: Create and active space to work as signature destination, including civic plazas, market, and retail gathering places that promote economic growth Downtown.
Urban Design Goal, page 48
• Objective 4A: Encourage redevelopment that contains a variety of building forms and style.
• Objective 4D: Encourage renovation, restoration, and reuse of existing historic structures to maintain the character of Downtown’s neighborhoods.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
2.4 Support equitable housing programs that promote household stability and reduce the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
