City ordinances revise commission grant language; staff explains inflation adjustment and limits on larger awards

City staff told the Economic Development Commission on April 25 that two ordinances adopted this month (Ordinances 3600 and 3601) amend the municipal code governing commissions' authority to award tourism grants.

Staff said the $5,000 grant cap set in 2010 has lower buying power today and that a CPI adjustment shows $5,000 in April 2010 is equivalent to $7,117 in current dollars. According to staff remarks in the meeting, the code language for the Economic Development Commission was amended to indicate the commission can authorize grant awards up to a figure presented in the transcript as "75100"; staff also told commissioners that applicants wishing to request larger amounts can, but those requests would need City Council approval.

During questions, commissioners asked for examples of prior successful grants. Staff cited capital improvements at Wildlife Safari (a new giraffe exhibit platform), a Umpqua Watersheds downtown stage and event funding for Blocktoberfest, the Umpqua Vineyard Tour, a lavender festival and a downtown walking-tour grant created by a local applicant. Staff emphasized that grants are restricted to tourism promotion or tourism-related capital improvements as allowed by statute.

Staff said the city intends to open the spring tourism grant round after the ordinances take effect (end of May) so applicants can request the newly authorized amounts; if a proposed award exceeds the commission’s authority as amended in code, the larger request will need City Council approval.