Over $17 million to be invested in downtown Foley improvements
FOLEY, Ala. (WKRG) — The City of Foley along with private investors have put in over $17 million to help improve the downtown area of the city.
According to a city news release, Foley Main Street Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore recently presented the downtown improvements annual report to the Foley City Council.
Baldwin County housing market: What to expect in 2025, summary of 2024 trends
The Foley Main Street program began in 2018 and since then, private investors have provided funds to help renovate downtown buildings and bring new businesses to the city.
'Right now, there's $3,267,000 that has been input by the city for investment into the downtown just since Main Street began,' Dunmore said. 'We know you did a lot of work before that. In this time period, the private investment is now at $14,687,000.'
Projects completed in the downtown area over the past year include:
Opening Cat Alley extension
Creation of the downtown Arts and Entertainment District
LED lights were strung on buildings at Christmas
Renovations on Foley Bakery
Colt Grill opened in a historic building
'Y'all are really getting things done,' Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich told Dunmore. 'There is just so much happening downtown with the opening of various new restaurants and other things. It's all just really impressive.'
FMS is a national program that works to increase the 'economic vibrancy of Downtown Foley,' according to its website.
Orange Beach Middle and High School, UMS-Wright Preparatory School earn 2024 Safe School Initiative Award
The website said FMS had to go through an in-depth application process to be accepted into the Main Street Alabama program.
Members of the state Main Street organization will come to Foley in March to tour the downtown area. They will also hold a training session in the area.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
4 hours ago
- Business Wire
FICO UK Credit Card Market Report: March 2025
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While the months after Christmas typically see spend on credit cards fall, the new data from global analytics software leader FICO for March 2025 underlines the financial pressures impacting UK households. The trend in missed payments will be a concern for lenders, in particular the sharp increase of 23% month-on-month for one missed payment. Share Following seasonal patterns, average spend was 6.8% lower than February and 3.7% down compared to March 2024. However, payments to balance also fell in March, by 1.6% month-on-month and 5.8% year-on-year, resulting in higher average balances compared to 2024. Established customers who have had their cards between one and five years, and who have missed one payment, saw the largest drop in payments to balance, which will be a concern to lenders. Highlights Average credit card spending fell 6.8% month-on-month and 3.7% year-on-year Average balances rose by 4.9% year-on-year The number of customers missing one payment rose by almost a quarter (23%) compared to February 2025 The average balance of one missed payment is 5.6% higher year-on-year Average balances for customers with one, two or three missed payments are higher than the same period in 2024 The percentage of customers using credit cards for cash fell for the sixth month in a row and now stands at 2.9%, a 2.1% monthly decrease and an 8.7% annual decrease Key Trend Indicators – UK Cards March 2025 FICO Comment: With spend having decreased by 6.8% month-on-month and 3.7% year-on-year, average spend now stands at its lowest point for two years at £735. However, higher living costs have contributed to higher balances, which have increased 4.9% compared to March 2024, now standing at an average of £1,845. The trend in missed payments will be a concern for lenders, in particular the sharp increase of 23% month-on-month for one missed payment. The average balance decreased 1% month-on-month to £2,320 but is still 5.6% higher year-on-year and is trending upwards. The percentage of customers missing two payments dropped 0.2% month-on-month and 3.8% year-on-year, while customers missing three payments has been increasing since October 2024. The average balance of two missed payments is also trending upwards. With an average of £2,875, it is 2.5% higher than February and 6.4% higher than March 2024. The average balance of three missed payments is also trending up, by 0.9% on the previous month and by 6.6% on the previous year equating to an average of £3,220. Although the average delinquent balances are trending upwards, so is the overall balance. When comparing the delinquent balance to the overall balance, the increase in balances for one missed payment is comparable. However, since January 2025, the increase in balances for customers with two or three missed payments balances has increased at a higher rate. Lenders should, therefore, review balance and risk score breaks within collections strategies, ensuring customers with higher balances at risk are prioritised and receive flexible and tailored treatment. Particular focus should be given to customers who have had their cards between one and five years, especially for those who are coming off promotional offers and who may now be struggling to pay off higher APRs. These card performance figures are part of the data shared with subscribers of the FICO® Benchmark Reporting Service. The data sample comes from client reports generated by the FICO ® TRIAD ® Customer Manager solution in use by some 80% of UK card issuers. For more information on these trends, contact FICO. About FICO FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 80 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO® Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency. Learn more at FICO and TRIAD are registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Waynesville workers' Christmas bonus hinges on economy
Jun. 4—Waynesville town workers could find a one-time bonus in their Christmas paychecks his December. But only if the Grinch doesn't swoop down from the mountains and shout "Bah Humbug." As has been the norm for the last several budget cycles, town leaders have been cautious when forecasting sales tax revenue. Towns get a cut of the state sales tax collections, but it's contingent on consumer spending. With the economy showing signs of contracting, Waynesville's budget makers were cautious about counting on sales tax to count on. Too cautious for the liking of Councilman Jon Feichter. Feichter questioned Finance Director Ian Barrett's forecast of sales tax revenue rising just 1% — going from $4.68 million to $4.73 million — in the town's budget plan for fiscal year 2025-26 that was approved by town council last month. Citing a history of under-budgeting sales tax revenue over the past several town budgets, Feichter asked about adjusting the forecast upward with the additional money going to town employees. The budget approved by town council contains a 1% cost-of-living adjustment and a 2.5% merit raise for those advancing in their career track. Feichter analyzed the town's last seven available audits and found that sales tax revenue has been typically underbudgeted by the town, by anywhere from 1% to 30%. The town underestimated sales tax revenue by 12% and 6% in the last two available audits, he said. "In 2021, coming out of COVID, we undershot by almost 30 percent, which ended up being almost $1 million," Feichter said. "I totally get that is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. The next year was 12%, and that was $500,000. Even in 2023, when we were out of COVID, it was $266,000." Feichter lauded the conservative approach to the budget but argued that making a modest increase in projected sales tax revenue is warranted based on historical trends "Traditionally, we under budget as far as sales tax," Feichter said. "Could we bump that number (1%) a little higher?" A projected increase would allow the town to increase the cost-of-living adjustment, for example, he added. "The question is, are we being too conservative based on historical evidence?" Feichter added. "Can we nudge that number and still be safe?" Barrett said the 1% forecasted rise in the sales tax was based on guidance from the N.C. League of Municipalities of projecting sales tax growth of no more than 2%. The main reason is uncertainty over the state of the economy because of increased tariffs being imposed by President Donald Trump, he said. "Right now, we are being conservative budgeting revenues," Barrett said. "Things are starting to simmer down. I know in March there was some uncertainty when the tariffs started to come into effect. We have seen things take more of a calm approach. It was calmer than before." Sales tax revenue took a hit following Tropical Storm Helene last September but started to rebound around the holidays last December. That trend has continued as sales tax revenue for the first eight months of the current fiscal year is running about 2.5% above what was budgeted. "So far, distributions this spring have been pretty strong," Barrett said. "We are confident we will get that 1% for the (2025-26) fiscal year." Councilman Anthony Sutton agreed with Barrett's conservative approach and that town council should not make any adjustments to the budget in the short term. "We are possibly heading into a recession," Sutton said. "It would be best to be very conservative. If we do get an increase, then we can make budget amendments as we see them." Councilman Chuck Dickson noted the Haywood Tourism Development Authority is forecasting a dip in occupancy tax revenue in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Dickson sits on the TDA board. "This may be a year of more uncertainty than any that I have seen," Dickson said. "We don't know what the heck is going to happen. There is an indication already that reservations are down. They might not end up down because there is a marketing campaign that is getting ready to start and people may be delaying their reservations." Waynesville's sales tax projections also align with other government entities in Haywood, said Waynesville Town Manager Robert Hites. If sales tax revenue comes in higher than forecasted, the town should first need to reimburse its savings account, he said. The fiscal plan approved by town council includes using around $160,000 from its fund balance, or savings account, to balance the budget. "If you get more sales tax revenue it would simply be recorded as a reduction in the fund balance we are appropriating," Hites said. Conservative forecasting is needed, said Councilor Julie Freeman, who the agreed with Feichter that any extra leftover sales tax revenue be given to employees, suggesting a possible Christmas bonus. "These are uncertain times," Freeman said. "The number one thing we need to do is take care of our employees because they are the greatest asset we have in this community." Hites said an across-the-board bonus would benefit more of the town's employees. "It provides a higher percentage of income to the lowest paid employees," Hites said. Everyone else has bonuses coming Canton leaders were insistent on keeping their employee's Christmas bonus of $1,000 in this year's budget despite shortfalls due to a loss in more than $1 million in property taxes from the mill. Clyde has budgeted $300 Christmas bonuses for full-time and $150 bonuses for part-time employees for this year. Maggie Valley gives out a bonus in November based on employee longevity, ranging from $150 to $1,000. But the town doesn't refer to them as Christmas bonuses per se, according to Town Manager Vickie Best. Those checks Likewise, Haywood County employees will get $200 bonuses for full-time workers, while part-timers will receive $25.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Netflix Creates Christmas Day Dilemma: How NFL Games, 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Could Complicate Holidays
Streaming giant Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) may have complicated holiday plans for many people in the United States with new "Stranger Things" episodes and two NFL games premiering on the platform on Christmas Day. What Happened: Netflix hosted its Tudum global fan event over the weekend, and many new trailers, release dates and details were shared with fans, including the release dates for the highly anticipated fifth and final season of Stranger Things. "Stranger Things" will be released in three parts on the following dates: Part 1: four episodes, Nov. 26 (the day before Thanksgiving) Part 2: three episodes, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) Part 3: final episode, Dec. 31 All of the episodes will premiere at 5 p.m. PST on the respective dates. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — While many people may have their Christmas plans wrapped up on Dec. 25 by the time the new episodes are released, others may look to have parties and celebrations earlier than normal during the day. Also, keep in mind that Netflix has two Christmas Day NFL games: the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET and the Detroit Lions vs. the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET. This means that Netflix will have premium content for subscribers from 1 p.m. until potentially midnight, depending on the length of the three "Stranger Things" episodes that are released. The other parts of "Stranger Things" also find release dates around holidays that could complicate family get-togethers and plans. For comparison, "Stranger Things" season four was released as nine episodes, seven of which were released on May 27 and two on July 1, 2022. Along with family members upset they might not see as many of their loved ones who want to watch NFL games and "Stranger Things," streaming rival Prime Video might be upset by Netflix's release dates. The streaming platform, owned by Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN), has a third NFL game on Christmas. The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will play at 8:15 p.m. ET, right when the new "Stranger Things" episodes will be It's Important: "Stranger Things" is one of the most-watched series in Netflix history and the final season is among the most anticipated releases on the streaming platforms ever. Releasing episodes of the hit show around holidays will likely pay off for Netflix in the viewership charts, as people often have time off of work and could binge-watch or catch up on old episodes. For Netflix, the decision to have two Christmas Day NFL games and "Stranger Things" episodes could be the streamer's decision to plant their flag on the holiday and be the go-to place for homes around the country during the day and at night. Netflix averaged 24 million viewers for its two Christmas Day 2024 NFL games with 65 million Americans watching at least a portion of one of its two games during the day. The streamer cut into the usual dominance of NBA games that traditionally air on Christmas Day. "Stranger Things" was not the only highlight from Tudum and also not the only key 2025 release from the streaming giant. Netflix also highlighted other hits like "Wednesday" season 2 and "Squid Game" season 3, which will be released on Aug. 6 and June 27 respectively. The fan event included a performance by Lady Gaga, who will be featured in the second season of "Wednesday." The streamer also highlighted upcoming releases like "Frankenstein," "Happy Gilmore 2," "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" and season two of "One Piece." Netflix has new seasons of "Squid Game," "Stranger Things," and "Wednesday" in 2025, giving fans new content for three of its most popular series of all time. Add in NFL games, WWE live matches, and more, and Netflix's 2025 lineup continues to look like one of the best among streamers. Read Next: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Invest before it's too late. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum. Photo: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Netflix Creates Christmas Day Dilemma: How NFL Games, 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Could Complicate Holidays originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio
