Renovate and Reinvest Property Improvement Match Grant
Program Overview
The MRA is excited to launch the new Renovate and Reinvest grant program, which replaces the popular Downtown Storefront Activation grants. This program is designed to help property owners in eligible Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas make meaningful improvements to their buildings.
With this grant, property owners can make cost-effective upgrades that enhance the appearance and functionality of their properties. These improvements not only boost the property itself, but also benefit local businesses and the wider community by driving economic growth.
Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with a focus on projects that are ready to move forward quickly and deliver impactful results.
Renovate and Reinvest Property Improvement Match Grant Program Overview
Renovate & Reinvest 1-Page Flyer
Deadline
Renovate and Reinvest will accept applications on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
Amount
Applicants are invited to apply for up to $95,000 per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). A cash match is required for all awards, which will be based on business size.
Eligible Areas
Five Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas will be eligible for pilot of this new grant program:
To Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. Interested applicants should ensure that their properties meet all of the following requirements:
- The applicant must be the property owner. Lessees seeking to apply must do so with the property owner as co-applicant. If a lessee, the application must also include a notarized authorization letter with the property owner's signature.
- The property owner shall provide proof of ownership (Deed) and the City’s modified form W-9.
- Property must be located within the boundaries of the qualifying Metropolitan Redevelopment Area.
- Applicants must be deemed eligible to apply for funds by completing an eligibility application.
Eligible Expenses Can Include:
- Signage (existing or new; window decals)
- Exterior Electrical and Lighting
- Façade Improvements
- Stucco/Brick Rehab
- Exterior Paint, Mural, or other Exterior Design Enhancement
- Exterior Security Camera Systems
- Electrical Upgrades
- Plumbing & Sewage
- Roof and Subfloor Replacement
- Structural Repairs
- HVAC Installation or Update
- Accessibility Improvements
- Energy Conservation Improvements
- Fire Alarm System; fire sprinkler system installation or upgrades
- Retro-fitting for new business
Expenses that are not eligible for reimbursement include improvements that are not durable or are outside of the physical building. Such non-eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, exterior fences, landscaping/plants, and shelving/cabinetry. Note that this is not a comprehensive list. For concerns about eligible improvements, please email project manager Mara Salcido at [email protected].
Eligibility Application
To qualify for a Renovate and Reinvest Property Improvement Match Grant, applicants must submit an eligibility application with the following:
- Completed Eligibility Application Form;
- Proof of Property Ownership (e.g., property deed, real estate contract, and notarized authorization). If a lessee, the application must also include a notarized authorization letter with the property owner's signature;
- Description of project scope;
- Image(s) of the property (e.g., photos, detailed drawings, Google Maps screen grab);
- Conceptual drawings or renderings of improvements;
- Project Budget with itemized costs, including but not limited to labor, material costs, implementation costs, and permitting fees. All supporting vendor/contractor estimates must also be included;
- Project timeline, which must be supported by vendors/contractors in the attached quotes; and
- Completed W-9 supplier form.
Application Process
The Renovate and Reinvest Property Improvement Match Grant Program is a competitive application. Applicants must have been deemed eligible and must complete the application form.
A complete application package shall include:
- Eligibility Approval Number
- Completed Application Form
- Final Quotes and Selected Vendor
- Project Timeline
Applications must be submitted online and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the funds are expended. Applications will not be accepted via mail, email, or in person.
Application Evaluation Criterion
Applicants deemed eligible can apply. Conditions will be evaluated based on how well they meet the criteria below:
- Proof of property ownership.
- Lies within the Barelas, Downtown, East Downtown, Menaul, or University Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas.
- Proposed improvements will beautify the area, enhance the business space, increase business visibility, expand or grow business operations, bring the property up to code, or make structural improvements.
- Business contributes to economic vitality.
Successful applicants will be required to execute a Redevelopment Agreement with the MRA, and the resulting projects will be subject to the terms of the Redevelopment Agreement.
Applicants will be notified via email of approved or rejected projects. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated in the order in which they were received. The MRA shall inform applicants of the status of their application after the application period has lapsed.
Applicants are responsible for securing necessary permits and complying with all building codes and state and federal laws before commencing construction.
Contact
For application questions:
Mara Salcido, MRA Project Manager: [email protected], 505-549-0542
For media inquiries:
Sarah Supple, MRA PIO: [email protected]