City staff: eight grant applications submitted; questions remain on eligibility and appeals

City staff updated the Woodland Park DDA on the 2026 grant program, reporting eight applications submitted so far and that three awards have been approved and agreements issued. "We have had 8, applications turned in thus far," the presenter said. The presenter also recited a total-dollar figure in the record that was unclear in the transcript; staff and board discussed the figures in the meeting and indicated they would follow up with corrected totals.

Board members raised consistency concerns after one applicant branded "Grit to Greatness" was denied while similar "build out" applicants such as Timber and Rust were approved. A board member said the applicant had asked for an explanation; staff said the appeals process allows an applicant to appear before the full DDA at a regularly scheduled meeting to present an appeal.

Members also asked whether owners or prospective purchasers could qualify for grants when properties are in the process of sale. Staff reiterated that the executed grant agreement must name the person who will perform the work at the time of the project, and that grants cannot be adjusted retroactively for work already completed or purchases already made. On eligibility for security upgrades, a staff member noted the grant application language on the city website lists "updates to security" as acceptable, and confirmed that camera upgrades submitted under those guidelines would be considered eligible.

The staff recommended and the board accepted a rolling seven-day turnaround for reviewing new applications so grant agreements can be prepared and sent for signature. Board members asked staff to circulate incoming applications and any advertising/communication plans to the full board by email so approvals can proceed without waiting for the next monthly meeting.

The board did not adopt further new rules at the meeting; outstanding items include clarifying a numeric total in the staff report and ensuring the subcommittee circulates applicant lists and any advertising options.