Murrieta Agrees To Invest $1 Million In Local Businesses, Patrons

MURRIETA, CA — A program designed to encourage customers to spend money at local businesses is moving forward in Murrieta.

On Tuesday, the Murrieta City Council approved a resolution and an agreement that, together, aim to launch the "Shop Local Incentive Program" this year. The program sets aside $1 million from the city’s $16 million allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to reward patrons and local businesses alike.

A key element of the incentive program is city-provided bonus gift cards given to patrons when they purchase e-gift cards for participating Murrieta businesses. For example, a customer can buy a $50 gift card to a participating local restaurant or store through the city and get a matching $50 bonus gift card to be spent at that business. The bonus gift card will be paid for by the city through its ARPA funding.

City spokesperson Dominique Samario said the details on the exact amounts of bonus gift cards — whether matching or some other amount and what the cap will be — are still being worked out.

The city aims to roll the program out this summer with more details to follow, including the website where the e-gift cards will be purchased by customers looking to shop and/or eat locally — and get bonus dollars for doing so.

Murrieta's Shop Local Incentive Program is expected to continue for four years, with the $1 million being spread out over the term.

City Council approved an agreement with Yiftee Inc. to help execute the technical logistics of the card service program. Yiftee is a Delaware corporation with its principal office located in Menlo Park. The city will pay Yiftee administration fees not to exceed $40,000 during the first year of the program, and $40,000 each option year thereafter, according to the agreement.

It will be up to the city to identify the merchants who want to participate in the program. The city is planning a comprehensive outreach campaign to educate businesses about the opportunity and promote the Shop Local Incentive Program to restaurant-goers and shoppers, according to Samario.

"We encourage all Murrieta businesses to take advantage of this great program and take part in the various promotions the city will launch throughout the course of the program," said Scott Agajanian, city of Murrieta deputy director of economic development.

All local businesses interested in participating in the program can contact Agajanian at SAgajanian@MurrietaCA.gov.