Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3585
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3585Commerce
Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 23· LAST ACTION MAY 24
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
7BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to strengthen the economic foundations of local communities, especially those that are often overlooked or underserved. Many towns and neighborhoods rely on their business districts for jobs, services, and a sense of community identity, but these areas can struggle to get the support they need to thrive.
If this bill becomes law, it could provide a much-needed financial boost and expert guidance to local groups dedicated to improving their business districts. This could lead to more vibrant main streets, new businesses opening, and more jobs for residents. If it doesn't pass, these local organizations might continue to face challenges in securing funding and technical assistance, potentially hindering their efforts to revitalize their communities and support local economies.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program within an existing economic development act.
This creates a new federal program specifically focused on revitalizing local business areas through a structured grant system.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to 'specified recipients' (intermediary organizations).
This outlines how federal funding will be distributed, targeting organizations capable of supporting multiple local initiatives.
PROVISION 03
Requires 'specified recipients' to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and grants to 'eligible subrecipients' (local business district organizations).
This ensures that the federal funds are channeled to the local level where direct revitalization efforts take place.
PROVISION 04
Prioritizes grants for distressed communities, rural areas, and Indian Tribes, and to applicants serving multiple states or geographies.
This provision directs resources to the communities with the greatest economic need and to organizations with broad reach.
PROVISION 05
Mandates reporting by 'specified recipients' on how funds are used, areas served, and jobs created or retained.
This ensures accountability and allows for tracking the program's effectiveness and impact.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
COMMITTEE
MAY 23
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 23
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to strengthen the economic foundations of local communities, especially those that are often overlooked or underserved. Many towns and neighborhoods rely on their business districts for jobs, services, and a sense of community identity, but these areas can struggle to get the support they need to thrive.
If this bill becomes law, it could provide a much-needed financial boost and expert guidance to local groups dedicated to improving their business districts. This could lead to more vibrant main streets, new businesses opening, and more jobs for residents. If it doesn't pass, these local organizations might continue to face challenges in securing funding and technical assistance, potentially hindering their efforts to revitalize their communities and support local economies.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program within an existing economic development act.
This creates a new federal program specifically focused on revitalizing local business areas through a structured grant system.
med
Authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to 'specified recipients' (intermediary organizations).
This outlines how federal funding will be distributed, targeting organizations capable of supporting multiple local initiatives.
high
Requires 'specified recipients' to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and grants to 'eligible subrecipients' (local business district organizations).
This ensures that the federal funds are channeled to the local level where direct revitalization efforts take place.
high
Prioritizes grants for distressed communities, rural areas, and Indian Tribes, and to applicants serving multiple states or geographies.
This provision directs resources to the communities with the greatest economic need and to organizations with broad reach.
med
Mandates reporting by 'specified recipients' on how funds are used, areas served, and jobs created or retained.
This ensures accountability and allows for tracking the program's effectiveness and impact.
A specific geographic area with many businesses, economic activity, and job opportunities, or an area that could develop these, like a town's main street or a neighborhood commercial area.
Business district organization
A local public or non-profit group in a business district that works to promote the area, attract private money, create jobs, and improve the physical environment.
Capacity building
Activities like training, education, support, advice, and providing operating funds to help business district organizations improve their skills and ability to manage their operations.
Eligible subrecipient
A local business district organization (public or non-profit) that provides services to a business district in a struggling area to support economic development, including helping businesses and improving physical spaces.
Specified recipient
A larger non-profit or public organization that receives grants directly from the federal government to then provide support and funding to local 'eligible subrecipients'.
Pilot program
A limited-scale trial program designed to test an idea or policy before potentially expanding it.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
MAY 24, 25
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
COMMITTEE
MAY 23, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 23, 25
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
