In order to encourage aesthetic and structural improvements that might not fit within the Facade Improvement Program, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors has approved the roll-out of a Small Grant Program in Fall of 2019. This program is meant to provide flexibility to business and/or property owners who are interested in making relatively minor public-facing aesthetic improvements in line with the following categories:

• Frontage Improvements (Excluding signage)  

• Public Art Installations

• Public Access

• Entry-Way/Egress Improvements

• Containers and Plant Materials

• Safety/Lighting Enhancements

• Environmental/Historical Rehabilitation

The Small Grant Program reimburses up to 50% of eligible project costs, up to $2,500 for project values of $5,000 or greater. While the DDA Board will still consider applications based on the project’s ability to fulfill the DDA’s primary goals and approved applicants will be required to outline their maintenance plan for all eligible improvements, the Small Grant Program does not entail the same easement requirements included in the Facade Improvement Program.

In order to best determine the efficacy of the program, the DDA Board of Directors has authorized an initial pool of $20,000 in Small Grant Program funding. As it is uncertain whether additional funding will be made available, and all applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, potential applicants are encouraged to submit their completed application as soon as possible. Applications which are incorrectly or only partially completed will not be raised for Board consideration until fully remedied.