Report to Mayor and City Council
Monday, November 28, 2016
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF PROGRAM GUIDELINE MODIFICATIONS TO THE CITY OF CARSON'S COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CITY COUNCIL)
Body
I. SUMMARY
In an effort to improve the program formerly known as the Commercial Fa?ade Rehabilitation Program, staff has reviewed and revised the program guidelines. The proposed revisions to the newly-named Commercial Improvement Program are intended to improve the program's usefulness and provide local small businesses needed assistance. Since the program is funded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), it also assists the City in meeting its timely expenditure obligations with HUD.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
APPROVE program guideline modifications as presented.
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the City Council deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
The City of Carson's Commercial Improvement Program (Program) is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). The CDBG funds are used to provide grants and or loans for exterior improvements to eligible local small businesses. The program was formerly known as the Commercial Fa?ade Rehabilitation Program.
The former Program guidelines provide a complex funding structure that involves a combination of grants, matching grants and/or loans. The structure is more applicable to funding provided by the former Carson Redevelopment Agency. With the scarce CDBG funds, and a growing small business community, the proposed revisions are timely and necessary.
The previous guidelines were primarily for the substantial rehabilitation of small- to medium-sized local businesses. As such, the Program was not as attractive or practical for small businesses in need of cosmetic fa?ade improvements. The proposed revisions to the grant amounts and Program mechanics afford a wider range of exteri...
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