The Selma City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on two significant topics: the revision of eligibility guidelines for the storefront improvement grant and the discussion of design guidelines for the downtown commercial business district.

The council voted to revise the eligibility guidelines for the storefront improvement grant, removing conflict of interest stipulations that previously restricted applications from certain city officials and property managers. This change aims to broaden participation and encourage more property owners to apply for funding to improve their storefronts. The motion passed with a majority vote, although Council Member Trujillo abstained.

Following this decision, the council turned its attention to the design guidelines for the downtown area, specifically discussing facade colors. Economic Development Manager Alisa presented an overview of the feedback received from the Business Improvement District (BID) regarding potential color palettes. Three options were considered: earthy tones with muted reds and soft beiges, warm terracotta with deeper greens, and a palette featuring charcoals and natural wood tones. The council emphasized the importance of creating a cohesive downtown aesthetic while allowing for individual business expression.

The discussion highlighted the need for high-quality building materials and the preservation of existing brick structures in the downtown area. The council is looking to schedule a workshop to further refine these design guidelines and gather additional feedback from stakeholders.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing the downtown experience in Selma through improved storefronts and thoughtful design guidelines. Next steps include finalizing the design guidelines and planning for the upcoming workshop to engage the community further.