Council reviews façade grants, shop‑local plan and asks staff for skate‑park designs after $1M placeholder

Council members and staff spent substantial time on downtown revitalization and small‑business supports during the study session, focusing on façade grants, a shop‑local platform and a debated $1 million skate‑park placeholder.

“We're looking to invest around $40,000,” said Miguel Ramos Corno, Director of Economic Development, describing a proposed shop‑local platform that would combine a business directory with a tourism/art tour.

Staff described the façade‑improvement program as focused on Highway 111 and downtown this fiscal year, with $600,000 budgeted for each area and a potential $500,000 per area proposed for next year. Council members expressed concern that take‑up has been limited and urged expanded outreach to corridors such as Indio Boulevard and Jackson Street; staff suggested direct outreach, business visits and partnering through the Indio Business Connect Center (IBCC).

Council Member Ortiz, referencing prior council direction, urged a decision on an earlier $1 million set‑aside for a skate park: “Is it going to go to the sports park? Is it going to go to Miles Park?” Staff clarified the current budget proposes $1 million toward phase two of the new sports park even though a grant application was not successful; council asked staff to prepare realistic concept designs, cost estimates and community‑services commission review if the council wants to pursue a skate‑park project at Miles Park or elsewhere.

The council also discussed steady funding for local nonprofits that provide homelessness and social‑service support, including Martha’s Village, the Rescue Mission and the local food bank. Members asked staff to return with options for consistent allocations from the general fund and for a possible community‑benefit fund tied to festival and event revenues.

Next steps: staff was directed to pursue more proactive outreach for façade grants, return with shop‑local platform details, provide skate‑park concepts and cost options for council review, and present recommendations for modest, recurring nonprofit support options at midyear.