CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the proposed CY2026 SECA Grant Fund Program Allocations
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DEPARTMENT: Community Services
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Fiedler, Special Events Coordinator
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
The SECA Commission received 86 applications for CY2026 and met on Saturday, November 15, 2025, to receive applicant comments and ask any outstanding questions regarding the submissions. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the SECA Commission met and reached consensus on a CY2026 allocation recommendation. On January 28, 2026, the SECA Commission met again and confirmed the CY2026 allocation recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
Typically, approximately $2.1 million from the City's Food and Beverage Tax revenue is allocated to the SECA Grant Fund Program. Effective in the 2026 budget, Council approved a cap increase to $2,510,000. Much of that allocation is dedicated to commitments that must be funded in accordance with an ordinance, resolution, Intergovernmental Agreement, or in support of fund administration. These are non-discretionary and categorized as City Obligations. The City Council approved the CY2026 City Obligations allocations on November 18, 2025 (File 25-1287). Upon approval of the City Obligations, the remaining balance of $1,200,737 was made available to the SECA Commission for discretionary funding allocations.
After the January 28 SECA Commission meeting, staff received notification that the Rotary Club of Naperville will be canceling the 2026 Holiday Parade of Lights.
Due to timing of the notification, the proposed award still appears on the attached list of final allocations. Consistent with past practice, the funds allocated for the canceled event will be reverted to the Food and Beverage Fund unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
DISCUSSION:
The SECA Commission reads all grant applications, hosts meetings with applicants and ultimately reaches consensus on a unified funding recommendation. Resolution 24-06 eli...
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