Highland District Council Seeking Applicants to Improve Commercial Corridors

Businesses needing financial assistance for improvement projects have until June 27 to submit an application to St. Paul’s new Commercial Corridor Organization Assistance Program.

The Highland District Council will administer $74,000 in grants in the upper Highland area and an equal amount in the West Seventh neighborhood for companies located on Snelling Avenue from Randolph Avenue to Ford Parkway, on Ford Parkway from Snelling to Cretin Avenue, and on Cleveland Avenue from Ford to Bayard Avenue. On West Seventh, they must reside from Homer to Wheeler streets.

Eligible projects consist of corridor-wide beautification efforts, such as signage, flower baskets and planters; public art installations and plans for corridor-wide programs and marketing campaigns.

Grantees can use funds to purchase vacant or underutilized buildings and land, as well as related soft costs, for community events, corridor improvements and subgrants for interior and exterior enhancements, such as decorative signage and murals.

Proposed projects must include a narrative such as a statement of work, a work plan detailing expenditures and a description of the role of any partner organizations. In addition, businesses must submit a budget form, a budget justification and an Affirmative Action Plan (AAP).

District councils will determine grants based on criteria designed by the City. The deadline is June 27. 

Questions?  Contact Highland District Council Executive Director Kathy Carruth, [email protected]; 651-695-4005 or visit highlanddistrictcouncil.org for more details or to apply.