Council approves $10,000 seed for North Daviess facade grant to spur downtown revitalization

Dan Henning, speaking for the North Daviess Community Growth Alliance, asked the council on May 13 to commit $10,000 as seed funding for a downtown facade grant program intended to leverage private matches and future grant opportunities.

"This program starts with a $10,000 investment...to kickstart our initiative and a 1 for 1 grant implementation," Henning told the council, saying the goal is to double that public investment immediately and use it to attract follow‑on private money.

Cindy (Discover Downtown Washington) described previous local results and advised including historic‑preservation standards in the program. Council members asked how the county money would be administered, how other towns (El Nora, Plainville) might participate, and whether the county should confirm the source of the funds before finalizing the commitment.

Council member (speaker 8) moved to approve $10,000 from the county; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair asked that the council determine the exact fund source (rainy day or another account) before the county issues checks.

Why it matters: County seed funding is intended to improve downtown commercial corridors and make towns eligible for larger state grants in future cycles; proponents said a modest public investment can multiply private investment and help communities apply for programs that expect local momentum and matching funds.

Next steps: The alliance will provide its six‑page program overview and templates to the council. Town councils in El Nora and Plainville may be asked to contribute; the county will confirm which county fund will be used for the $10,000 before disbursing the money.