[OMS_MANAGERS] Revitalization Grant Backlash

[President DCO]

We're going to be holding a public meeting to allow people to ask questions
about the grant itself- letting folks know it's not a one time thing, that
it requires a match, etc... And allowing our recipient to address any
concerns or what have you that people might have.
We're hoping this gives people the information they need to understand the
grants and also gets them excited for future projects. We are also asking
our recipient, because it's our first time doing the grant, to talk about
his experiences helping put it together.
I find putting a positive spin and giving people more information is a
great way to alleviate the haters.

Jen Waters
President
Downtown Corvallis Org.
541-250-1707
<https://downtown-corvallis.org/>

On Sat, Jun 14, 2025, 9:23 AM Shannon Suhr <shannonbsuhr at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
>
> One of our businesses who was awarded the revitalization grant has
> received comments from a customer questioning if they still needed their
> support "now that they will be getting all that money." The business owner
> is understandably upset because of this and because of social media
> comments questioning why other, more distressed buildings on Main Street
> were not chosen.
>
> We are planning on releasing a statement explaining the grant process, but
> are there any other suggestions on how to handle this from a PR
> perspective?
>
> We are a newer group and would appreciate hearing how other communities
> addressed these issues.
>
> Thanks!
> Shannon Suhr
> Canyonville Main Street Association
> Vice President
>
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