Modesto rolls out downtown incentives

The Downtown Modesto Partnership held a news conference Wednesday to publicize a city program that offers incentives to keep and attract businesses downtown.

The partnership is made up of the city, businesses, property owners, the Chamber of Commerce and other downtown interests. The event drew about three dozen people to Fuzio Universal Bistro.

The city incentives include cash payments to certain types of retailers and offices that open or relocate downtown and meet hiring thresholds. For instance, a qualifying business that hires the equivalent of 10 full-time workers would receive $2,500. The city also is offering reductions on sales and other taxes and waiving some fees.

The city also is offering matching grants of as much as $10,000 to businesses that make facade improvements.

The program is part of the city’s effort to revitalize downtown. Officials say the area has lots of potential and some major assets, such as its restaurants and shops. But merchants complain about the number of homeless people and panhandlers. The area also has many vacant storefronts and empties out in the evening after workers in the government, office and other buildings leave for the day.

The City Council approved the incentive program in the fall, and Modesto now is rolling out and promoting the program. More information is available at www.modestogov.com or on Facebook by searching under “downtown Modesto incentives.”

This story was originally published January 28, 2015 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Modesto rolls out downtown incentives."