Hoping For Boost, Elk Grove Kicks Off Holiday Incentive Program On Black Friday

On the heels of this summer’s car rebate program, the City of Elk Grove is kicking-off another program aimed at helping local merchants and the city’s coffers.

Dubbed the Local Holiday Bonus program, this program will offer $50 city-issued gift cards to the first 200 adults who provide the city with $500 in receipts for taxable purchases in the city limits between November 27 and December 31.

The program was initiated after the Elk Grove Community Connection (EGCC) submitted the idea to the city following the car rebate program, which it had also suggested.

"After the auto mall gift card program, we wanted to introduce a proposal that the entire community could participate in,” EGCC spokesperson Linda Ford said. “How many of us will be spending $500 in that one month? And to get a small incentive for doing so that benefits our local businesses and our city, it is a small way of giving back.”

Mayor says city taking ‘all measures possible’

While the program could prove to be a great boost for locally owned merchants, the city stands to benefit by an increase in local spending as the city’s greatest source of revenue is sales taxes. As much as 30% of the city’s general funding comes from sales taxes.

“Elk Grove is taking all measures possible to help support the business community,” Mayor Pat Hume said. “And we couldn’t have picked a better starting date to kick off this program.”

The gift cards will be redeemable at participating Elk Grove merchants or can be cashed in at city hall. Additional program information is available at the Think, Shop, Live Elk Grove site.