Submitted by: Holly Simmons
Submitting Department: Community & Economic Development
Agenda Section: Consent
Item Title:
title
2023 Corridor Investment Program Grant Awards
end
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:
• Art 'N Hair- $5,000
• Art Works Now- $2,500
• Baked and Brunched LLC- $2,226
• Creative Saints Loft- $5,000
• Creative Saints Loft- $1,500
• Dawn Michelle's Salon- $5,000
• Flavors, LLC- $1,500
• Health Neurotics- $2,226
• Jordana Company- $2,500
• Muze Creations Boutique- $5,000
• Pyramid Atlantic- $2,500
• Ricker's Beer and Wine- $2,500
• Robert Harper Books- $1,500
• Sammy’s carryout- $5,000
• Sangfroid Distilling- $1,500
• Second Chance Hair Clinic- $5,000
• Sela Hair and Nails- $5,000
• SoHy Coop- $1,500
• Soulphisticate Catering LLC- $2,444
• Triple Line Studio- $1,500
• Triple Line Studio- $607
end
Summary Background:
In April 2023, the City issued 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 April 2023, 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. Additionally, City staff held one virtual information session and a series of in-person pop-up ‘coffee chats’ in each of the commercial corridors prior to opening of the application period. The City received numerous inquiries and a total of forty-nine (49) applications from small businesses and non-profit organizations. This represents the highest number of applications received for this program since its inception and approving all of the qualified applicants listed below increases the annual $40,000 budgeted amount by $21,503. This makes the total award $61,503. The 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 July 11 and July 19th, 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, 2024.
Fiscal Impact:
$40,000 was budgeted for the Corridor Investment Program and is included in the FY2024 Community & Economic Development Grants budget. The additional $21,503 required is available in the Community & Economic Development budget due to the expected delay in the creation and execution of the Multifamily Green Grants Program.
City Administrator Comments:
This is great news for our business community. If businesses continue to apply for these City awarded grant funds we may need to increase the authorized program amount. Recommend support.
Community Engagement:
The City hosts a virtual ‘open house’ for the CIP program, providing an opportunity for prospective applicants to inquire about the program requirements and other FAQ’s. Additionally, City staff held a series of pop-up ‘coffee chats’ in-person in each of the commercial corridors in March prior to the opening of the application period.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 2 - Ensure the Long-Term Economic Viability of the City
Legal Review Required?
N/A