Vancouver’s Fourth Plain corridor — a stretch of small, often family‑run businesses central to the city’s immigrant communities — is set to receive $300,000 in financial relief after the Vancouver City Council approved a targeted grant program aimed at stabilizing shops reporting severe revenue losses over the past year.

According to reporting by Oregon Public Broadcasting, the program was approved during the council’s Monday night meeting and is designed to offset documented revenue losses of 40% or more for businesses located in the city’s designated Fourth Plain investment area. The corridor is known for its concentration of immigrant‑ and BIPOC‑owned restaurants, retail shops, and services, many of which have seen customer activity drop following federal immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.

City officials confirmed that individual grants may reach up to $10,000 and may be used for immediate operational needs including rent, utilities, and payroll. Awards cannot exceed verified revenue losses, and the funds must be distributed within six months of the program’s launch. The money originates from American Rescue Plan Act allocations that the city previously converted into general fund dollars earmarked specifically for Fourth Plain.

During the council meeting, Chris Harder — Vancouver’s deputy director of economic prosperity and housing — emphasized the urgency of the rollout, noting that “the needs are now.” City officials also stated that a nonprofit organization will be selected to administer the program, citing stronger outreach capabilities outside of government channels.

Businesses in the corridor have described steep declines in foot traffic. Gabriela Mendoza, owner of Frutas Locas, told OPB her revenue has fallen roughly 70% over the past year, attributing the drop in part to fear among immigrant families. Nicole Davison Leon, executive director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, said many of the 700 businesses her organization serves in Southwest Washington and Portland have reported year‑over‑year sales reductions between 40% and 60%.

Local concerns about federal immigration actions have also driven residents to public hearings and meetings, according to OPB. In response, Vancouver officials have issued statements affirming that the police department does not coordinate with federal immigration authorities and have compiled “know your rights” and legal assistance resources on the city’s website. Clark County and the city have also issued resolutions expressing concern about federal enforcement tactics.

The new grant program represents the city’s most tangible intervention to date for businesses affected by the broader climate of fear. Business owners like Mendoza say the assistance could help them cover essential costs and maintain operations.

“A lot of these small businesses, they’re our neighbors, they’re our family, they’re people that we know,” Davison Leon said.

Mendoza told OPB that a grant of up to $10,000 could be the difference between staying open or closing her shop — and the income her family depends on.