Page 39 - Benbrook FY2021

The Benbrook Economic Development Corporation plays a primary role in the Benbrook Boulevard Project that broke ground in the summer of
2014. Aside from contributing financially towards the project, the EDC developed a communications campaign, in partnership with LComm
Marketing and Communications, called “Building a Better Benbrook.” The goals and objectives of the marketing campaign are to inform,
engage, and involve Benbrook citizens, businesses, and visitors during the duration of the project. The key message of the campaign is to keep
Benbrook strong by doing business locally. By choosing to shop, eat, and play in Benbrook, the community can help to sustain the local economy
during the re-development of Benbrook Boulevard and to “Build a Better Benbrook” in the future.

Storefront Improvement Program

The Benbrook Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) promotes a diverse and vital economy by attracting new businesses, retaining and
supporting existing businesses, facilitating desired development, and promoting Benbrook to new residents and visitors. In support of existing
businesses, with preference to those located along the Benbrook Boulevard/US Highway 377 highway corridor, and to enhance the overall
physical appearance and commercial appeal of Benbrook, the BEDC offers a matching fund reimbursement grant, the Storefront Improvement
Program, to eligible businesses that wish to improve building facades or other exterior features of existing commercial buildings. The Storefront
Improvement Program offers a fifty percent matching grant, not to exceed $20,000, for costs associated with approved eligible improvements.

Disaster Relief Grant Program

Benbrook Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Board of Directors, proposed repurposing the BEDC’s current Storefront Improvement
Grant funds for disaster relief. As part of their mission, BEDC works to promote a diverse and vital economy by retaining and supporting the
local business community. Benbrook City Council approved an emergency grant program allowing Benbrook businesses to receive up to $5,000
in assistance toward mortgage or lease payments. The Disaster Relief Grant Program was created to assist Benbrook businesses that have been
financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail, service, and office businesses that are within Benbrook city limits and employ less than
100 employees are eligible to apply. The grants do not require a financial match, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis until
September 30, 2020, or until funds are depleted. City Council approved a corresponding budget adjustment to fund the disaster grant program
at $500,000.

TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY APPEARANCE AND PRIDE

PROMOTION OF BENBROOK

Community pride and appearance are promoted through various programs funded in the 2020-21 Budget. Funds are included to continue
mailing the Benbrook Community Newsletter to residences in Benbrook in 2020-21. Mailing the newsletters ensures that a majority of Benbrook's
citizens have timely and relevant information about City events and community activities. Funds are included in the Budget for recording and
broadcasting City Council meetings for airing on the City's public access cable channel; Council meetings are also available for viewing on the

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