SRA gets funding from Selma, plans activities to promote downtown businesses

With $40,000 in funding in hand from the city of Selma, the Selma Redevelopment Authority board of directors approved projects to increase foot traffic to downtown businesses at its Aug. 28 meeting.

The SRA received an increase in funding from $25,000 to $40,000 from the city, but it didn’t receive the funds until August, according to SRA Treasurer Sylvia Smith. Smith said that while the SRA works with the city’s Department of Planning and Development, its funding comes through the city’s tourism budget.

Smith said the SRA is still awaiting funding from the Dallas County Commission.

The SRA will spend about $2,000 on activities to improve and promote downtown businesses. Plans include a cleanup project and flowerbed improvements, a passport promotion to generate sales for downtown businesses, and a plan to increase foot traffic.

Downtown will be promoted through social media volunteers, and downtown businesses will work with Arts Revive and the SRA on First Thursday events.

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Sarah Aghedo, SRA executive director, said in her report that she is meeting with ArtsRevive consultant Paul Barrett and Sheryl Smedley of the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce regarding wayfinding.

Aghedo said she has received applications for façade enhancement grants and is pursuing additional funding. She said she is working toward Selma’s Main Street Alabama designation if Selma chooses to become a Designated Community, the highest level of SRA membership. Selma SRA is currently an Aspiring SRA Community.

The SRA put financial support of a local guide with Randy Nknonki and approval of its July minutes off until its Sept. 18 meeting.

Present for the meeting were Chairman Dr. Rose Wilkins, Smith, Aghedo, Clay Carmichael and Martha Lockett. Absent were Mandy Henry, Kayarda Lowe and Jimmie Coleman.