Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-91

ECO 91

Strengthening Downtowns and Main Streets

Messrs. Cronin, Mark and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended  by inserting after item ___ the following item:

“xxxx-xxxx For a matching grant program for cities and towns to support the vitality of downtowns and main streets; provided, that grants may be used to develop, sustain or strengthen business districts, town centers, commercial corridors, cultural districts or other walkable mixed-use areas; provided further, that funds may be used for community planning, district management, and investment activities that stimulate economic development, expand entrepreneurship and create jobs in the downtown economy sector and to construct, improve, repair, maintain and protect downtown assets; provided further, that the executive office of economic development may establish additional program requirements through regulations or policy guidelines; provided further, that funds shall be awarded on a competitive basis in accordance with such program requirements; and provided further, that financial assistance offered pursuant to this item shall be awarded, to the extent feasible, in a manner that reflects geographic and demographic diversity and social and economic equity.............................................................................. $500,000"