Lafayette DDA Meeting - October 16, 2025

The October 16, 2025, meeting of the Lafayette Downtown Development Authority focused on introducing two major new grant programs, evaluating the current downtown marketing strategy, and discussing future staffing models. The Executive Director presented drafts for a Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) and a Creativity and Culture Microgrant (CCM), seeking board direction on funding mechanisms, eligibility, and administration. Significant discussion occurred regarding the inefficiencies of the current marketing agency engagement and the proposal to transition to a contract-based marketing professional followed by a potential hybrid model.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the September 8, 2025, meeting minutes as written by motion and second, with no corrections offered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adam Judola: Expressed appreciation for the new dark skies friendly street lighting completed on South Boulder Road but noted that lighting on nearby public roads remains inconsistent with dark skies standards. He urged the Authority to consider updating lights in the future to be more dark skies friendly to benefit the community.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Improvement Grant Program (DIG): Director Keating proposed a reimbursement matching grant program (up to 50% match, max $25,000) for interior and exterior capital improvements. Eligible projects include facades, accessibility upgrades, environmental remediation, energy efficiency, streetscape activation, infrastructure upgrades, and professional services.

  • Board Position on Funding Model: Director Mudding and others noted that the reimbursement model creates a barrier for small businesses lacking upfront capital. Director Mudding and Director Hubbard expressed support for allowing case-by-case advances or establishing a threshold where grants under a certain amount (e.g., $3,000-$5,000) would be direct grants rather than matching grants.
  • Board Position on Matching: Director Lako and others discussed the potential for in-kind contributions to satisfy match requirements, though Director Hubbard noted the oversight challenges involved. Director Lako expressed favor for including mural projects within the DIG scope if they are permanent capital improvements, distinct from temporary paint jobs.
  • Board Position on Applicability: Directors debated whether property owners (specifically large investment entities) should have the same eligibility thresholds as small business owners, with consensus to consider excluding or limiting non-owner-occupied property owners from small direct grants to prioritize struggling small businesses.
  • Board Position on Stacking: Directors confirmed that the DIG allows stacking with the City's Small Business Capital Grant program, provided the scopes of work are distinct.

• Creativity and Culture Microgrant (CCM): Director Keating presented a competitive microgrant program ($500-$2,500, no match required, funds disbursed up front) for art, culture, and community events.

  • Board Position on Selection Committee: Director Hubbard raised concerns about potential bias in the selection process and recommended including an external arts expert and a community resident in the review subcommittee to ensure inclusivity and reduce subjectivity.
  • Board Position on Budget: Director Hubbard suggested maintaining the proposed low budget ($15,000) for the first year to gauge interest and volume rather than setting a higher cap immediately. Director Mudding and Director Hubbard agreed that limiting the number of applications per cycle per entity might be necessary in the first year to ensure equitable distribution.
  • Board Position on Murals: Directors agreed that murals are eligible for both the CCM and the DIG, recognizing they can be high-cost items that benefit from the DIG's matching structure.

• Old Town Lafayette Marketing Strategy: The meeting reviewed the current contract with agency "Cone," with the Executive Director noting a plateau in effectiveness despite strong foundational work (website, social media).

  • Board Position on Current Agency: Director Hubbard and others agreed that while the agency did well initially, the current model is not effectively generating growth or foot traffic. Director Hubbard stated the sentiment that the campaign has "plateaued" and cost efficiency is no longer being achieved.
  • Board Position on Future Model: The board moved toward transitioning from the full-service agency model to a "contract position" (a single professional or small boutique firm without benefits) to allow for "boots on the ground" outreach and targeted execution. Director Mudding and Director Lako supported this as a way to save costs while gaining the local connection missing in the agency model. The idea of a "hybrid model" (contractor + specialists) was discussed as a future option if funds allow.
  • Board Position on Transition: Directors agreed to extend the contract with Cone for approximately six months to handle a strategic refresh and specific projects (like website updates) while the DDA works to define the scope and issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the new contractor.

Key Outcomes

• Next Steps for Grants: The Executive Director will incorporate board feedback regarding micro-grant thresholds, advance funding options, and in-kind match possibilities into the DIG and CCM drafts. Final packages for approval will be presented at the November 10, 2025, meeting.
• Marketing Action Plan: The Executive Director will circulate a survey to the board to identify members interested in serving on subcommittees to help craft the RFP for the new contract marketing position.
• Strategic Direction: The board agreed to limit the current engagement with Cone to necessary strategic refreshes and specific deliverables, aiming to transition the role to a dedicated contract professional focused on local storytelling and business outreach.
• Calendar Update: The November 10, 2025, meeting is confirmed as the last meeting of the year, featuring discussions on the November 10th partnership concept with "Second Fridays" and the approval of the annual report draft (to be finalized in January).
• Subcommittees: The Executive Director will form subcommittees for the grant programs; Director Hubbard suggested the CCM subcommittee include an external arts professional to ensure impartiality.**