Pueblo pilot would offer $1,000 grants for vandalism repairs, using $50K ARPA interest

During a Sept. 15 Pueblo City Council work session, Councilwoman Sarah Martinez proposed a “mini-grant program” to help local businesses that have suffered losses from vandalism. The plan, presented with Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller, would help small businesses pay for damage to doors and windows.

If the pilot program is passed, the city would give each business affected up to $1,000 for glass repairs or replacement. Martinez wants to use $50,000 from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act Interest Account. The fund contains interest accrued from a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package distributed to states during the COVID-19 pandemic. This would allow 50 businesses to apply for and receive funding once a year.