The proposed EBURD Frontage & Site Improvement Program is intended to complement existing TIF tools by providing a structured and accessible funding mechanism for smaller, targeted improvement projects (See attached application draft). These projects may include frontage upgrades, fencing and screening improvements, and other site-related enhancements that improve safety, appearance, and overall functionality of properties within the district. Establishing this program will allow qualifying applications to be reviewed and, where appropriate, forwarded to City Council in a more streamlined manner, including consideration for placement on the consent agenda. This approach is intended to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency in the approval process, and encourage broader participation from property owners throughout the district.

The reasoning for support of this program by the EBURD Advisory Committee includes the program's consistency with the EBURD Urban Renewal Plan, and its contributions to district-wide goals of improving site conditions, enhancing safety, and reducing visual blight. Upgrading fencing and screening also supports ongoing efforts to improve safety and elevate property standards along key corridors and industrial edges of the district.

The proposed EBURD Frontage & Site Improvement Program is intended to complement existing TIF tools by providing a structured and accessible funding mechanism for smaller, targeted improvement projects. These projects may include frontage upgrades, fencing and screening improvements, and other site-related enhancements that improve safety, appearance, and overall functionality of properties within the district. Attached to this memo is a draft of the EBURD Frontage & Site Improvement Program application form that would be used for these smaller grants.

Establishing this program will allow qualifying applications to be reviewed and forwarded to City Council in a more streamlined manner, including consideration for placement on the consent agenda. This approach is intended to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency in the approval process, and encourage broader participation from property owners throughout the district.

The program supports the goals of the EBURD Urban Renewal Plan by promoting incremental reinvestment, reducing blight, and enhancing the visual and functional quality of properties. By providing a mechanism for smaller-scale improvements, the program is expected to increase the number of projects completed within the district and serve as a complement to larger redevelopment efforts.

The reasoning for support of this program by the EBURD Advisory Committee includes the program's consistency with the EBURD Urban Renewal Plan, and its contributions to district-wide goals of improving site conditions, enhancing safety, and reducing visual blight. Upgrading fencing and screening also supports ongoing efforts to improve safety and elevate property standards along key corridors and industrial edges of the district.

 

Funding for this program will be drawn from existing EBURD TIF funds and administered within the limits of the approved annual budget. While the program will allocate funds toward smaller, targeted projects, it is designed to complement, not replace larger TIF investments by encouraging broader participation and leveraging private reinvestment across the district. All awards are subject to fund availability, ensuring fiscal control and predictability. Since the program could award a variety of amounts up to $50,000 per project, some projects may be covered in the FY27 EBURD budget as proposed, or through budget amendments in FY27. Careful monitoring of the EBURD Budget will be needed to ensure there is adequate budget to cover the individual projects before applications move forward.