Watch CBS News

Turlock City Leaders Use Unique Incentive To Fill Empty Storefronts

TURLOCK (CBS13) -- The city of Turlock is offering $1,000 to businesses if they move into empty storefronts.

There is plenty of space available in downtownTurlockand city leaders are using a unique incentive to attract new business; they're offering cash to motivate business owners to move in.  But the catch is that you have to set up shop in an empty storefront.

"The downtown has gone from 20 percent vacancy to right under 13 percent, so there's still space and we'd like to encourage businesses to fill up," says Roy Wasden, Turlock City Manager.

The money is coming from the general fund, which is about $150,000 in all. But, city leaders think the program will help boost the local economy.

"So you see a natural rise in values and properties, sales tax, jobs and people able to spend money," says Wasden.

A handful of people have shown interest, but no one has signed up just yet.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.