Title
Update on the Commercial Frontage and Façade Improvement Grant (CFFIG) Program
Presenter:
Catherine Duarte, AICP, Senior Analyst, Community Development Division
Body
Summary:
The CFFIG program update is meant to share the origin, purpose, progress, and vision of a new community and economic development tool made possible by the collaboration of multiple City departments.
Previous Council Action:
Council approved Community Development’s submission of the 2018 Annual Action Plan to HUD in Feb 2018, allowing the City to use a portion of its CDBG entitlement funds to fund the CFFIG Program.
Background:
This program was inspired by other cities’ façade improvement work and by the recommendations laid out in several Southeast planning documents. Building the program involved several City departments, including Sustainability and Innovation, Community Development, Economic Development, Planning, and the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority. The Community Development Division was able to use its CDBG Public Facilities and Infrastructure budget to create basic program structure and funding. Other City staff provided critical contributions in developing program guidelines, marketing strategy, among other things. 2018 is the inaugural year of this program - staff will be monitoring and sharing outcomes of the first year’s work in order to move from the pilot phase into an ongoing effort. The details of this collaboration will be covered in the presentation.
By working across City departments to put resources into updating and beautifying commercial hubs in disrepair and engage with community stakeholders and property owners, the CFFIG program directly supports three of the City’s strategic goals: investing in infrastructure, building community and collaborative relationships, and excelling at City services. It also indirectly supports the goal of promoting job creation.
Financial Implications:
The investment of $100,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds on two SE commercial properties aims to increase customer traffic and encourage reinvestment in the area. This $100,000 comes from the previously approved 2018 CDBG budget. The program also requires a 1:1 match from the property owners, adding to the project impact and leveraging existing local capacity.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The Planning department and Economic Development and Community Development divisions spent considerable time working with the RISE Coalition and SE property owners to spread the word about the CFFIG funding opportunity, sharing desired outcomes and ensuring that the program aligned with existing planning and neighborhood organizational efforts.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A