Peoria's businesses along Grand Avenue, are set to get a facelift after the City Council approved a series of grants aimed at spurring economic recovery. The grants, totaling $447,118, were sourced from the interest accrued on the city's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as reported by the city's news site.
A significant chunk of the funds, $323,118, will go towards enhancing the curb appeal and safety of small businesses in the vicinity of Downtown Peoria, from Cotton Crossing to 88th Drive. This program gives each local business the chance to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to improve their exterior, with the stipulation that property owners must match the funds or provide in-kind contributions. With an eye on sustainable growth, the city plans to combine these ARPA funds with $100,000 from the Economic Development Department's Façade Improvement Program, ramping up the total investment in Grand Avenue's revitalization to $423,118.
An allocation of $8,500 is set to refresh the city's housing assessment study to inform future housing development with updated data on needs and market trends. Additionally, a partnership with the Peoria Unified School District will see $55,500 funneled into reopening the AM/PM program at three under-served elementary schools—Alta Loma, Ira Murphy, and Peoria Elementary—infused with workforce development training for staff complemented by strategies to boost recruitment and retention, as per the City of Peoria official announcement.
Peoria's commitment to fostering an inclusive community is exemplified through the ONEPeoria initiative, which will be bolstered with a $60,000 injection, aimed at enhancing community engagement and maximizing the diversity of voices that shape the direction of the city.
