Funding Programs & Development Incentives
Building Enhancement Grants
Building Enhancement Grants help property owners and tenants improve the exterior of existing buildings within the DDA district. Potential improvements include façade upgrades, lighting, signage, landscaping, seating, and public art that enhance a property’s appearance, safety, and contribution to the Downtown streetscape.
Grants supplement private investment and are paid through reimbursement after project completion. Funding is competitive, and tenants must apply jointly with property owners. Submit your application and obtain confirmation from Downtown Partnership staff before starting any work included in the grant request.
Retail Incentive Grants
Retail Incentive Grants support new, expanding, or relocating street-level retail, restaurant, and service businesses that fill gaps in Downtown’s existing business mix, particularly offerings that serve residents.
Competitive grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and reimburse eligible costs, which may include tenant improvements, rent, equipment, inventory, signage, and marketing. Review the application’s business-plan, lease, and timing requirements with staff before starting work or incurring expenses.
Catalytic Opportunities & Big Ideas Grants
The Catalytic Opportunities and Big Ideas (COBI) Grant Program is intended to advance high-impact projects identified in Volume II, Chapter 1: Land Use and Character of Elevate. The program focuses on initiatives that deliver meaningful community benefit while helping to catalyze additional private investment. Eligible projects may include those identified as Catalytic Opportunities, Desired Use/Market Opportunities, Reimagined/Enhanced Use Sites, Contemporary Prospects, and Influence Sites that enhance Downtown’s vitality, connectivity, and overall quality of life.
Tree Canopy Grants
Tree Canopy Grants help property owners and tenants create or improve street-tree planting areas in the public right-of-way within the DDA district. Potential funding supports eligible design, site preparation, irrigation, and installation costs that contribute to a healthier Downtown tree canopy.
Funding is competitive and paid through reimbursement after project completion. Tenants must apply jointly with property owners. DDA TIF recipients are not eligible for this grant.
Special Project Grants
Special Project Grants support initiatives that advance the Elevate Downtown Plan and Downtown’s economic vitality but fall outside the DDA’s other primary funding categories. Potential projects include feasibility studies, research, and public safety initiatives.
Contact staff to discuss your project’s fit. Applicants submit a short project narrative and budget rather than a standard application form.
Residential TIF Reimbursement Agreements
TIF Reimbursement Agreements are available for residential projects within the DDA that demonstrate strong alignment with the goals and action priorities of the Elevate Downtown Plan. While projects are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in general residential projects showing strong alignment with Elevate Downtown Plan goals may be eligible for up to 65 percent TIF reimbursement, minus fees and obligations, and not to exceed eligible expenses. Projects deemed extraordinarily catalytic in nature – particularly those offering affordable housing — may be eligible for higher TIF reimbursement. For more information, contact us at this link.
Commercial TIF Reimbursement Agreements
TIF Reimbursement Agreements are available for commercial projects within the DDA that demonstrate strong alignment with the goals and action priorities of the Elevate Downtown Plan. While projects are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in general, commercial projects showing strong alignment with Elevate Downtown Plan goals may be eligible for up to 60 percent of eligible cost TIF reimbursement. Projects deemed extraordinarily catalytic in nature may be eligible for higher TIF reimbursement. For more information, contact us at this link.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grants
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grants help property owners and tenants make permanent improvements that reduce energy or water use in commercial properties within the DDA district. Potential projects include qualifying HVAC upgrades, doors and windows, solar panels, lighting, electrical systems, and water conservation measures.
Funding is competitive and paid through reimbursement after project completion. Review the application for eligible equipment, excluded costs, and submission requirements before beginning work.
Loan Program for Tenant Ownership
The Loan Program for Tenant Ownership helps established Downtown storefront business owners purchase their existing location or another property within the DDA district. Loans supplement private financing and generally do not exceed $250,000, helping businesses build equity and strengthen their long-term presence Downtown.
Applicants must be majority owners and operators of a qualifying business that has operated within the district for at least three years. Review residency, private-financing, and other eligibility requirements in the application, and contact staff for current loan terms.
Emergency Relief for Businesses Grant
Emergency Relief for Businesses Grants assist eligible street-level retail, restaurant, and service businesses within the DDA district after a major, unforeseen incident causes prolonged disruption or displacement. Funding helps address gaps not covered by insurance or cash reserves.
Scheduled construction and planned street or sidewalk closures are not eligible incidents. Contact staff promptly: applications must be received and confirmed within 60 days of the incident. Review the application for operating-history, impact-duration, and other eligibility requirements.
