Coldwater DDA previews 2026–27 budget with proposed $100,000 streetscape contribution

At its April 22 meeting, the City of Coldwater Downtown Development Authority reviewed the proposed 2026–27 budget and discussed a planned contribution to the city’s downtown streetscape project.

Staff and the chair told the board the DDA had been asked to consider contributing $100,000 toward the streetscape project, to be paid over seven years beginning in the coming fiscal year. The draft budget includes that multi-year contribution as a significant new item, but board members emphasized the plan is not yet finalized and that the DDA will consider formal approval at the May meeting, ahead of the July 1 fiscal-year start.

A board member asked why the contribution was planned over seven years. Staff replied that the DDA had originally considered a $10,000-per-year approach over 10 years and that the time frame was shortened based on prior internal discussions and available funds. Staff also noted existing funds the city and council had set aside in previous years for parking-lot or streetscape work would be applied as part of the planning process.

The budget discussion covered committee-level line items (promotions, event sponsorships and community projects) and the timeline for finalizing a budget narrative and figures: staff said the DDA does not need to approve the budget at this meeting but expects to seek approval next month so the budget is in place before the new fiscal year starts July 1, 2026.

The board asked members who had additional questions to send them to staff before the next meeting so they can be addressed in advance.