Building Improvement Grant Program

The Building Improvement Grant Program provides financial assistance to projects within the Urban Renewal Area that increase assessed value, stimulate private investment, create jobs, improve property values, increase the desirability for leasing, increase the functionality of the space, promote sustainable building practices, encourages the preservation of historic resources, provide needed housing and mixed-use development, encourage uses and amenities that promote increased residential uses, and encourage the construction of public gathering spaces. 
Design Grant: A grant up to $5,000 for architectural, design, and engineering services. Design Grant Application

Building Improvement Grant: A matching-grant (1:1), up to $100,000 for project costs that meet the above purposes. This includes interior and exterior improvements. Tenants can apply to renovate their space, while building owners can apply to renovate vacant space or common areas. 

APPLY: The deadline for applications was December 31, 2025. Applications for the next cycle will open July 1, 2026. 

 Eligibility Requirements - Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for consideration. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for consideration. 
  • Property must be located in the Urban Renewal Area.
  • The project will likely increase the taxable assessed value.
  • Property must be used in whole or part for commercial purposes.
  • Applicant must be a building owner or tenant. The applicant must provide a signed and notarized authorization letter from the building owner. 
  • Business must be locally owned or a locally owned franchise. National franchises not locally owned are ineligible. 
  • Business must be for-profit or a non-profit that does not receive a city property tax exemption. 
  • The total grant request must not exceed the maximum amount of funding a single property can received in a five-year cycle of $105,000. 
  • Applicant must attest they will not use grant funds for their own labor. 
  • Applicant must attest they will not use grant funds for any governmental permit, system development charge (SDC), and/or application fees. 
  • Project must comply with all local, state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Applicant must provide a signed and notarized Hold Harmless Letter. 
  • Applicant must answer all questions on the application to be eligible for consideration. 
Application and Approval Process:

Design Grant: Applications are reviewed and approved by staff if the application is complete and the project demonstrates is consistent with the purpose of the program and the applicant is prepared to implement building improvements that meet or exceed $25,000. The program is a reimbursement. Reimbursement Form

Building Improvement Grant: Applications are screened by staff for completeness and program eligibility consistent with the purpose, requirements, and restrictions of the program. It the application is eligible and complete, a conference will be scheduled between City staff and the applicant to review the project and clarify any questions or outstanding issues. 

The application is then forwarded to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) to be scored using the Scoring Rubric.

SCORING RUBRIC

Criteria Eligible Points
Project stimulates private investment - Applicants with a higher ratio of match to grant and potential impact to assessed value would receive a higher score.  0 - 5
Project would create or retain jobs - Applications are scored based on type and number of jobs created. 0 - 5
Project would increase the desirability of the space for leasing or increase gathering spaces - Projects that increase desirability for leasing or increase the use of the space as a "third space" (public gathering space) would receive a higher score.  0 - 5
Project would increase the functionality of the space for leasing - Projects that increase the functionality of the space (i.e. HVAC, plumbing, electrical improvements, for current or future tenants, including aesthetics, access, and ADA compliance) would receive a higher score.  0 - 5
Project would improve the environmental sustainability of the space - Projects that improve the environmental sustainability of the space would receive a higher score.  0 - 5
The EDC will make a recommendation to the Urban Renewal Board who will make the final decision on each application. All grantees will be required to enter into a Grant Acceptance Agreement outlining the roles and responsibilities of each party. 

Distribution of Funds: Both the Design Grant and the Building Improvement Grant are reimbursable upon submittance of qualifying and certified receipts, and a completed Design Grant Reimbursement Form, or a completed Building Improvement Matching Grant Reimbursement Form. 
Design Grant reimbursements are one-time and upon submittance of final design. 
Building Improvement Matching Grant reimbursement: 
- For projects less than $25,000 in grant funds, payments will be made upon completion of the project. 
- For projects exceeding $25,000 in grant funds, payments will be made semi-annually upon certification of qualifying receipts or upon completion of the project. 

Award of grant monies is contingent upon funding availability.