Agenda No. 6.
CITY COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
| City Council Meeting: | November 17, 2026 |
| Department: | Executive Team |
| Subject: | Resolution 26-R-132 - Amending the Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development Program (Deputy City Manager Brian James) |
BACKGROUND
After discussions with the Schertz Main Street Committee, staff is recommending a number of changes to the Schertz Main Street Local Flavor Economic Development Program. These include making tree maintenance, removal and replacement eligible grant expenditures. In the case of tree removal, the grant would only apply to trees that are deemed hazardous, dead or dying. Another amendment would provide a grant of up to $7,000 per five years to the tenant, not the building owner, for improvements to the tenant's lease space in one of the eligible categories. At times, building owners have been reluctant to authorize tenants to apply for grants as the amount awarded would reduce the amount the building owner has available for major repair items — generally A/C and plumbing. Finally, there is an amendment to modify the grant agreement to stipulate that grants awarded shall be deducted from the cost of acquiring easements and right-of-way for the upcoming Main Street Improvement program.
GOAL
Promote the history and culture of the City of Schertz to tourists and residents.
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Recognize and preserve historic structures in the City.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approval of Resolution 26-R-132 amending the Schertz Main Street Local Economic Development program to provide for a tenant grant, tree grants and offset the cost of easement acquisition by the amount provided by the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
This amendment has the potential to increase the amount awarded in grants by allowing expenses related to trees, though this does not increase the overall allowable grant amount. The amendment to allow up to $7,000 per five years for tenant grants will likely increase the total amounts awarded in grants. Staff estimates the additional annual cost to be less than $21,000. The change to the grant agreements has the potential to save the City money, depending on the number of grants approved in the next six months. Historically, annual grant payments have ranged from $500 to $51,451.50. Staff will include a budget amendment later in the fiscal year if many grants are awarded.
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of Resolution 26-R-132.