Submitted by: Jeff Ulysse
Submitting Department: Community Business & Economic Development
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
title
2024 Corridor Investment Program Grant Awards
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council accept the recommendations of City staff and approve Corridor Investment Program grant funding awards for the following entities, pending approval of funding:
• Anacostia Trails Heritage Area - $1,500
• Art ‘N Hair - $1,500
• Art Works Studio School Inc. dba Art Works Now - $5,000
• Creative Saints Loft - $1,500
• Ferris Custom Cabinetry - $1,584
• Gremlins Tattoo Lounge - $5,000
• Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department - $5,000
• Life Of Gains - $5,000
• Maryland Meadworks - $1,500
• Better Education L.L.C. (Mathnasium of Hyattsville)- $5,000
• Robert Harper Books LLC, dba My Dead Aunt's Books- $1,440
• Pyramid Atlantic- $1,500
• Ramona's Pizza Garden - $5,000
• Rooted and Polished - $5,000
• Triple Line Studio - $649.06
• Yes! Organic Market - $2,400
• Yes! Organic Market - $5,000.
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Summary Background:
In September 2024, the City initiated its annual application cycle for the Corridor Investment Program, which provides a funding opportunity for Hyattsville private and non-profit organizations with creative placemaking projects, programming initiatives, and business development strategies. Applicants are eligible to receive a grant of up to 80% of the total cost of their eligible project or program, with the applicant providing a minimum match of 20% of the overall project cost. The City’s CIP Program has three (3) main award categories:
Programming Grant (up to $1,500)
Public Placemaking Grant (up to $2,500)
Business Development Grant (up to $5,000)
In September 2024, the application and program guidelines were posted to the City website. Announcements were also made in the Business e-newsletter, Hyattsville Reporter, social media, and flyers. The City received numerous inquiries and a total of thirty-three (33) applications from small businesses and non-profit organizations. The total recommended award for FY25 is $53,573.06. Staff reviewed and evaluated the applications independently prior to meeting as a group. Each member of the review panel was asked to evaluate the applications based on the following criteria:
• Completeness of Grant Application
• Intent of project to be performed (Alignment to funding focus areas)
• 20% match amount met
• Diversity of applications (across funding streams, geographic location, and first-time recipients)
Applications that were not recommended for funding included those that (1) were not located within the City, (2) requested funding for ineligible activity, (3) lacked adequate information, or (4) applicant received prior awards for two or more consecutive cycles. Application evaluations were completed on December 17th and 30th, 2023.
Next Steps:
Work on all projects is scheduled to take place immediately upon execution of a contract and issuance of Notice to Proceed. Project shall be scheduled to be completed no later than June 30, 2025.
Fiscal Impact:
$75,000 was budgeted for the Corridor Investment Program and is included in the FY2024 Community & Economic Development Grants budget.
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend Approval. The staff worked hard to ensure all businesses were notified of this opportunity.
Community Engagement:
The City hosts an in-person ‘Small Business Roundtable”, providing an opportunity for prospective applicants to inquire about the program requirements and other FAQ’s. Additionally, City Staff made announcements via the Business e-newsletter, Green Sheet, social media, and flyers.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
N/A,