Just in time for the Black Friday kickoff to the holiday shopping season, Oakdale City Council members approved a third round of RAD (Relief Across Downtown) card funds during a special council meeting on Monday afternoon, Nov. 14.

The RAD program, created by the Downtown Modesto Partnership, matches funds, up to $100, per customer, which can be used at participating businesses within the community.

City Manager Bryan Whitemyer shared staff’s sense of urgency to make the funds available to the community so that local businesses — many located in the downtown area — could benefit from the popular matching program.

Council approved a $200,000 allocation in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds previously set aside in a placeholder account in the future sewer and water infrastructure as well as $20,000 that was previously allocated for the Third Avenue RAD program. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the fresh allocation of funds should be available by Thursday, Nov. 17 or Friday, Nov. 18.

Whitemyer pointed out that by participating in the match program, the $187,000 investment into the community represents an actual $374,000 economic benefit.

Associated fees attached to the RAD program will cost $33,000.

Local businesses that wish to participate still have time to check eligibility with the city to be included in the list of participating locations.

“It’s a popular program that benefits the community,” council member Christopher Smith said. “As a consumer, I’ve used the RAD card a lot to my benefit and I love the program.”