Mayoral Notes
By Dale Girard
In late 2022, City Manager Yoshi Manale brought forward an ambitious proposal to the Claremont City Council. He envisioned working with a firm specializing in federal grants to help the city secure funding for critical projects. To build confidence in the idea, he suggested a trial collaboration with Merchant McIntyre (MM), working alongside the Sullivan County government for a few months. Once the council approved this approach, MM quickly proved their value, providing Claremont with the tools and expertise to turn priorities into funded initiatives.
Fast forward to today, and the results are remarkable. Merchant McIntyre has helped Claremont secure over $3.3 million in federal funding, covering areas like public safety, transportation, economic development and infrastructure. With a return on investment of 18:1, the partnership has been a resounding success, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can unlock opportunities and yield significant benefits for our community.
The key to MM’s success has been their collaborative approach. They worked closely with the city manager and department heads to identify needs and locate grants that align with their goals. This targeted strategy has delivered measurable progress for Claremont residents:
Improving Transportation and Trails: Federal funding is driving necessary work for improvements to our transportation network and recreational spaces. Highlights include $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE grant to plan the redevelopment of Charlestown Road, $320,000 to support a county-wide Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan, and $30,000 from Recreational Trail’s Program to reconstruct the Sugar River Recreational Trail’s trestle bridge.
Boosting Economic Development: Claremont received $850,000 for the Sugar River Revitalization and Brownfields Redevelopment Project, which will advance environmental cleanup and economic growth. An additional $50,000 grant is fueling the Claremont Business Innovation Downtown (BID) Program, which supports entrepreneurship and strengthens our local economy.
Upgrading City Infrastructure: The city’s entertainment economy received a boost with $450,000 secured for development at the Claremont Creative Center. Another $100,000 was drawn down to enhance safety at the Claremont Opera House and city offices, preserving the centerpiece of our community.
Enhancing Public Safety: MM secured $1.3 million to modernize the Claremont Police Department’s emergency radio and record-keeping systems, ensuring officers are equipped to respond effectively. The department also received $40,000 for updated body-worn cameras and $20,000 to install smoke detectors in residential areas.
Merchant McIntyre’s comprehensive approach, which combines grant writing, advocacy and forecasting, has elevated Claremont’s ability to leverage federal resources. These grants are not just about meeting immediate needs; they represent long-term investments in safety, infrastructure and economic stability.
This progress highlights what can be achieved when expertise, strategy and vision come together. With MM’s assistance, the city has tackled challenges that would otherwise remain out of reach, laying a foundation for ongoing growth.
As we reflect on these successes, it’s clear that the work is far from over. Federal grants are competitive, and continued success will require vigilance, collaboration and focus. However, Claremont has shown that with the right partners and a clear plan, we can transform bold ideas into funded solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.
This partnership isn’t just about chasing grants — it’s about securing Claremont’s future. The achievements to date are a testament to the power of investing in expertise and aligning resources with the needs of the community.
Let’s celebrate this progress while keeping our eyes on the opportunities ahead. Claremont is on the right path, and with continued effort, we will make our city an even better place to live, work and play.
