Colfax approves funding for Historic Colfax summer concert series

The Colfax City Council approved a $5,000 funding request for the Historic Colfax Downtown Association's summer concert series during its Feb. 25 meeting. Erin Newington with the Historic Colfax Downtown Association shared the effort to bring the concert series to Colfax began with applying for the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant. "We competed against cities 100 times our size," Newington told the council. "We ultimately did not win the grant, but we won something else. We watched a light switch on in this town. People believed again. That belief created momentum and we're here tonight to ask to help keep that win moving forward." According to the staff report, the concert series would be five free concerts from May through September on Main Street. Newington shared the series will be a circle of impact for the city to build community and drive people to downtown Colfax and an economic activation for local business owners, as the association aims to send visitors into Colfax's brick and mortar businesses than to bring in food trucks. Newington noted the goal is to continue to build on the momentum established by the grant application and the Rock the Vote and Pints & Grooves events. "This request isn't about starting something new; it's about scaling what's already working and that's momentum," Newington said. Additionally, Newington confirmed the association has raised several hundred dollars through its community fund, as well as written $10,000 in grant requests. Mayor Pro Tem Larry Hillberg shared he always believed music will bring more people to Colfax. "... I see this as an investment, not an expense to the city," he said. Mayor Caroline McCully noted bringing in vendors is a tested and true way to help pay the bills. "I'm supportive of providing a little bit of funds. I just don't think the city should be your primary funding source," McCully said. McCully asked if the association has spoken to business owners about staying open late. Newington confirmed business owners have been offered the opportunity and some have committed to being open during events. Councilmember Trinity Burruss inquired about the current balance of the city's nonprofit fund. Colfax City Manager Ron Walker confirmed $17,356 is left of the $30,000 fund. Burruss noted she asked as discussions regarding the budget and restructuring non-profit funding was forthcoming. Next year's budget is a whole different deal but it seems like we have adequate funds, and I'd like to move that we give the $5,000 for this investment," Hillberg stated as a motion to approve the request. The council approved the request in a 3-1 vote, with McCully submitting the lone vote of dissent. Councilmember Kim Douglass was absent. "Thank you so much," Newington said after the vote. "I'm really grateful and we'll bring it back tenfold."