Evanston’s Economic Development Committee is scheduled to consider priorities Tuesday evening for spending several million dollars in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
In a memo to the committee, Economic Development Manager Paul Zalmezak suggests the panel focus on “catalytic investment opportunities” that could include workforce development, lacemaking, business district infrastructure, direct assistance to small businesses and consulting services to expedite planning, community engagement and program implementation.
The memo suggests that the panel evaluate projects based on jobs created, property tax and sales tax generated, equity and climate impacts and whether projects would require ongoing investment versus a one-time expenditure and what other funding sources projects could leverage.
The city staff has suggested that as much as $5.5 million of the $43 million in ARPA funds the city is scheduled to receive could be targeted for economic development activities.
Zalmezak will also ask the committee to recommend whether individual projects should be first reviewed at monthly EDC meetings or should be referred directly to the City Council.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Civic Center.