The Grass Valley City Council voted unanimously to fully fund one request and partially fund two other projects to increase business in Grass Valley. Despite projected budget deficits over the next five years, the Council approved $10,000 to fund the Economic Resource Council’s Royal Welcome initiative to lure digital media companies to Grass Valley. The Council also approved $10,000 to the Grass Valley Downtown Association to fund a WayFinding Signage Project for the downtown area; and $10,000 to the Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce to support efforts of the Chamber’s Visitor Center.

ERC Executive Director Jon Gregory says that Grass Valley is well positioned as the only rural technology center in the country.

Click here to listen to Jon Gregory

Gregory says the ERC is currently courting a company looking to relocate to either Grass valley or Morgan Hill near San Jose.

Downtown Association Executive Director Julia Jordan says that their project is focused on installing attractive traffic signs and parking lot business directories to assist visitors in navigating the downtown area.

Click here to listen to Sarah Christensen

The Association was also requesting funds to offset costs of for a Grass Valley guide. The Council agreed to fund 10,000 towards the signage project and not fund the guide.

Co-executive directors of The Greater Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce, Robin and Keith Davies, were requesting money to create a startup Jeep Tour Service for area attractions as well as funds to offset a portion of funds that he City had originally agreed to provide the Chamber, but due to fiscal shortfalls the city had to back out of the original agreement.

Click here to listen to Keith Davies

Funding for the Jeep tour was rejected, but 10,000 was approved for the Visitor Center.

According to Grass Valley City Manager Bob Richardson, 60,00 dollars could be available to fund the project requests, but due to the current fiscal position of the City, the Council chose to only allocate $30,000 and place $30,000 in reserve for future use.