Laura Glesby file photo
Make way for LCI ads at the theater.
The Elicker administration has now won aldermanic approval to advertise affordable homeownership and rent assistance programs at the Shubert Theatre and on a Water Street digital billboard, with the help of one-time federal pandemic-relief aid.
Local legislators took that unanimous vote Tuesday night during the latest regular full Board of Alders meeting in the Aldermanic Chamber on the second floor of City Hall.
They approved two multi-year LCI contracts: one $46,000 deal with the Shubert Theatre, which runs from June 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2026, and allows for digital and paper advertising at the downtown theater; and one $67,700 deal with Barrett Outdoor Communications, which runs from June 1, 2024 through March 22, 2026 and allows for an LCI advertisement on the electronic billboard at 145 Water St.
The advertisements are part of the city’s attempt to spread awareness of its “I’m Home” housing resources, as well as to obligate the remainder of its pandemic relief aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) before the federal deadline in December 2024. This funding comes after an ARPA reallocation cut marketing funds by over $170,000 in May, leaving the city with $245,764.96 to advertise LCI’s affordable homeownership and rent assistance initiatives.
According to East Rock Alder Anna Festa, the advertisements detail LCI’s programming, recent initiatives, and contact for those in need of LCI services. She further noted that the Water Street location was chosen intentionally to account for the amount of traffic on the street in hopes of reaching more people.
“It’s just outreach,” Festa said. “Hopefully people will see what LCI is about and make people more aware.”
Jabez Choi Photo
Alder Anna Festa: "It's just outreach."