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File Number: 12 -059 Chamber business assistance programs the City will sponsor. The programs to be sponsored are presented to the Business and Housing Development Committee for input and approval. In the past, the City's contribution was $10,000 annually. Since 2009, this amount was increased to approximately $45,000 annually. A return to the previous support level is recommended. Downtown Business Association - In the past the Redevelopment Agency has sponsored the Sausage & Suds Festival at the $5,000 level and the City has provided in -kind event support from Police, Public Works and Redevelopment staff. The City has also made $1,000 contributions to both the It's A Wonderful Night and Bike SL events and provided in -kind event support. The recommended funding level of $5,000 is a slight reduction in program funding compared to prior years. The Downtown Association has requested continued in -kind support for events. In addition to funds for programs, redevelopment staff serves as Secretary of the association and plays a major role in marketing the downtown and coordinating the association's activities. Limited redevelopment staff support to the Downtown Association is expected to continue. LINKS - The City provides gap funding for the LINKS Shuttle from BART to the West San Leandro industrial area. A Business Improvement District generates approximately $125,000 of the $300,000 budget. LINKS operations are also supported by grants, which vary in amount from year to year. Grant and BID revenue is projected to cover operating expenses in fiscal years 2012 -13 and FY 2013 -14. Should revenue come in lower than expected or future grant funds not be available or should sufficient grants not be awarded, a reduction in service hours would likely be required. RDA staff currently provides administrative support to the San Leandro Transportation Management Agency which manages the shuttle. Administrative support includes managing the BID and grant applications and reporting requirements. Continued delivery of administrative support of the shuttle will need to be evaluated. Business Incentive Programs - Scenario A includes $125,000 for funding of three incentive programs. Scenario B increases the funding to $180,000. • Commercial Rehabilitation Program - The City has budgeted between $90,000 and $150,000 annually for the Commercial Rehabilitation Program which provides design services and forgivable loans to businesses to improve the exterior of their building. • Industrial Competitiveness Program - As part of the Climate Action Plan, the City has budgeted between $50,000 and $200,000 for an Industrial Competitiveness Program which provides funding for technical assistance and equipment /capital purchases which reduce a business' utility costs thereby decreasing its cost of doing businesses. • Broadband Strategy Implementation - The City is in process of developing a broadband strategy which may include incentive programs to assist businesses in connecting to high speed internet capacity. Downtown Maintenance /Stepping Stones - Currently, a Public Works maintenance worker spends half time on downtown maintenance and the City contracts with Stepping Stones for clean -up services. The recommendation includes an assumption that Redevelopment funding City of San Leandro Page 2 Printed on 211012012