At the May 27 meeting the City of Sydney heard an update on local grant activity and approved an administrative agreement for downtown revitalization funds.

Melissa Nordgaard, the city-funded grant and technical writer, told council she has helped prepare 50 business plans since July 2024 and assisted local applicants for the Grow Nebraska program; she said 15 Cheyenne County applicants were successful and six moved to the second round in the statewide competition. "To date, since July of last year, total funding applied for is over $1,400,000. Confirmed and received is $329,000," Nordgaard said.

Nordgaard said the city, the Chamber and economic development partners won $29,500 from the state’s Good Life Is Calling sponsorship program to support talent attraction, branding and retention initiatives through April 2026. She also reported partnerships with Western Nebraska Community College and plans for a nonprofit fair as part of the recruitment work.

Council later considered an administrator agreement with the Panhandle Area Development District (PADD) to manage downtown revitalization reimbursements between the city and the state. Brandy explained PADD had been the program administrator and the fees for administration were already allocated in the downtown revitalization funds; the council approved the agreement on a 5–0 vote so PADD can process payments and reimbursements for building owners and the city.

Brandy also told the council the city’s first drawdown request for CCCFF (creative district) funds was submitted in advance and approved that day. Staff and partners said they will continue grant work, are planning a non‑profit fair and have secured funding to continue city grant positions for the next three years.

Council approved the PADD administrator agreement by motion (5–0). Staff noted upcoming outreach and events tied to economic development: a commercial-space tour scheduled June 6, continued work to expand the college’s innovation center and local marketing in partnership with News Channel Nebraska and others.

The council did not approve additional spending at the meeting beyond previously allocated administrator fees and accepted report updates from staff.