CRA retains $300,000 carryover for small‑business support; commissioners call to simplify applications and use CRA incubator space

The CRA reported a $300,000 carryover in its small-business support services line and proposed $638,000 for commercial grants in the FY26–27 budget. Staff said the funds support storefront build-outs, landscaping, signage and related small-business capital needs, and that a 14-page application governs the program.

"We should never have this much rollover in programming," Mayor Douglas Lawson said, urging the CRA to deploy the funds into the community. Commissioners and staff agreed the application and outreach could be simplified; Chair Guyton told staff the 14‑page application was too long for many applicants to complete, saying, "14 pages? Too long." Staff committed to reworking outreach materials and producing short, applicant-friendly guides and flyers, and to exploring use of the CRA’s new office/incubator space to provide shared desks and conference rooms for entrepreneurs.

Program staff noted that projects must meet eligibility tied to the business tax receipt and that project managers will provide marketing materials and a simplified application in coming weeks. The board asked for the materials to be circulated to commissioners by email for expedited review.