The proposal to alter the grant application process was a focal point of the meeting. The CRA intends to transition to a quarterly review schedule for grant applications, occurring in January, April, July, and October. This shift is designed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of requests and ensure a fair distribution of the available $300,000 annual budget. A new scoring system will be implemented to prioritize stronger proposals, with applicants required to be in good standing with the city and free of code enforcement issues. Furthermore, applicants must submit two quotes from different vendors for transparency and include a timeline with milestone dates to ensure accountability.

Concerns were raised about the potential impact of the quarterly review system on applicants, particularly the possibility of deterring those who may find a three-month wait too lengthy. Suggestions were made to offer preliminary feedback to applicants to refine their proposals before official reviews. The CRA acknowledged the need for adaptability, noting previous amendments to the grant program and indicating a willingness to refine procedures as necessary.

Another proposal involved reducing the maximum grant award from $100,000 to $50,000. With a $300,000 budget for the year, this adjustment aims to distribute funds more broadly, allowing more businesses to benefit. The sentiment was that this approach could “spread the wealth a little bit” and prevent the budget from depleting too rapidly, as had occurred in prior years.

The meeting also addressed the condition of the South Beach Park parking lot, which was in poor shape with numerous potholes and deterioration. Safety and aesthetics were major concerns, and while the Public Works department was still assessing the root causes, a temporary solution of filling the most severe potholes with asphalt was suggested. The CRA emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues rather than opting for superficial fixes to prevent recurring problems.

Updates on ongoing projects were presented, including the nearing completion of phase one of the Pier parking lot project and plans for its second phase. The life-saving station project received a million-dollar funding boost from the City of Jacksonville, and considerations are underway to incorporate it into the downtown redevelopment plan. A memo has been prepared to clarify the legalities surrounding the funding and its compatibility with state statutes.

The meeting also included a discussion about a new Return on Investment (ROI) tool introduced to quantify the effectiveness of grant-funded projects. This tool was positively received, and the CRA plans to distribute score sheets along with applications to ensure transparency in the evaluation process. The importance of public access to these records was emphasized, allowing applicants to understand the reasons behind funding decisions.

Attention then shifted to the budget adoption for the fiscal year 2025-26. The proposed budget, which included allocations of approximately $11.5 million for downtown and $3.4 million for the south end, was approved unanimously. Additionally, the agency plans to refine the facade grant program for fiscal year 2026, with staff recommendations under review and feedback being solicited from board members.