DDA Property Improvement Programs
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is the governmental entity responsible for encouraging private development and promoting and coordinating public development in the downtown district. These reimbursable property improvement programs are designed to:
- Incentivize investment in private property to improve the economic vitality and marketability of commercial space in the district
- Attract retailers that provide services or products to address the demand of residents, employees, and visitors
- Improve the pedestrian experience
- Reduce the number of vacant storefronts throughout the district
Retail Tenant Improvement Program
The Retail Tenant Improvement Program helps to grow downtown’s retail economy by providing certain funds to eligible retail business owners to defray a portion of the costs incurred in starting new and expanding existing businesses.
- This is a reimbursable grant that covers up to 50% of eligible costs associated with interior build-outs, not to exceed $3,000 for spaces under 1,500 square feet or $5,000 for those 1,500 square feet or more.
- Work like plumbing, electrical, painting, and attached fixtures like cabinets (and more) are eligible for reimbursement.
- Businesses like apparel, shoes, home furnishings, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelry stores (and more) are all eligible for the program.
- There are four application windows a year; applications are due at the end of each quarter.
