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BACKGROUND To provide additional business support, the City allowed businesses to temporarily expand dining and other business activities outdoors into private parking lots, sidewalks, and the public parking spaces —these temporary areas were known as "pop-ups." In July 2021, the Council directed staff to develop a more formal parklet program to replace the temporary pop-ups in the downtown district. The program was approved by the Council on December 21, 2021. Council also directed staff to explore grant programs the City could provide to help businesses interested in participating in the parklet program. A draft Downtown Parklet Grant Program was brought to the Economic Vitality Committee at a January 20, 2022, meeting at which EVC members were broadly supportive of the Downtown Parklet Grant Program. During discussion, several committee members proposed expanding the availability of grant funds to restaurants throughout the city; this feedback was shared with the City Council during its consideration of the Downtown Parklet Grant Program on February 1, 2022. The City Council approved the proposed Downtown Parklet Grant Program as outlined and also directed staff to explore a similar grant program for expanded outdoor dining elsewhere in the city (i.e., outside of the downtown) for Council consideration. DISCUSSON Based on the City Council's direction, staff has drafted an Outdoor Dining Installation Grant Program, which is analogous to the Downtown Parklet Grant Program in that it provides financial assistance to businesses interested in installing a semi-permanent outdoor area for dining. In developing the draft program, staff researched similar existing grant programs and talked with staff at other cities who have offered grant programs for outdoor operations. The proposed program is consistent with elements provided in similar grant programs, particularly the amount proposed, eligibility requirements, and restrictions. Program Description The Outdoor Dining Installation Grant Program will provide financial assistance to eating establishments interested in constructing a semi-permanent outdoor area for dining. The program will reimburse eligible expenses incurred by the business related to the design and installation of an outdoor eating area. Grant Amounts • Grants up to 50% of the total cost, not to exceed $10,000 for improvements. • Total funds allocated for the Outdoor Dining Installation Grant Program will not exceed $250,000. Business Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions Under the Outdoor Dining Installation Grant Program, eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to: • Obtain necessary permits from the City of Pleasanton by submitting plans to the Permit Center Page 2 of 4