Loading Map…
Introduced on May 23, 2025 by Mike Ezell
This bill would create a pilot program at the Economic Development Administration to strengthen local business districts—places like main streets and neighborhood commercial corridors. The agency would give competitive grants to experienced nonprofit groups that work in many places. Those groups would train and support local business district organizations and pass funding down to help small businesses, improve storefronts, and bring more customers—especially in low‑income, rural, minority, and Native communities. The goal is to boost local jobs and economic activity while spreading support across many regions and not just one office area .
The program would make multiple awards, prioritize distressed areas (including rural communities and Indian Tribes), and require regular reports on how funds are used and how many jobs are created or kept. Initial grants would last at least two years. “Business district organizations” are public or nonprofit groups that promote a district, attract investment, and improve the physical space; “specified recipients” are nonprofits with multi‑state reach and proven expertise supporting these kinds of districts .