The Leander City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Thursday that replaces and retitles the city's Old Town Development Incentives program as the Old Town Revitalization program and establishes two grant tracks to support private improvements.

Assistant to the City Manager Sir Riosock presented the ordinance and said the changes are intended to streamline the program and make it more attractive for small business and prospective operators in the Old Town area.

Program highlights:
- Facade Improvement Grants: reimbursements up to $30,000 for eligible exterior and storefront enhancements that meet program standards.
- Infrastructure Grants: reimbursements up to $65,000 for on-site infrastructure upgrades tied to revitalization goals.
- Application process: staff rewrote the application to reduce burdens on small businesses (the prior program required detailed business plans and was judged by staff to discourage applicants). The revised process emphasizes compliance with city codes and a simplified submittal package; economic development will recommend projects to council.
- Fund: the ordinance establishes an Old Town Revitalization Fund to hold and distribute authorized reimbursement payments.

"Part of the reasoning behind this Old Town Revitalization program is I believe this is going to be one of many conversations we'll have with council and really envisioning what Old Town's going to look like," Assistant to the City Manager Sir Riosock said in the presentation.

Council concerns and direction: several council members urged staff to link the grant rollout to the branding and facilities master-plan work that staff has underway, and to produce outreach materials that describe how the grants would support grouped projects (multiple businesses coordinating streetscape or sidewalk work). Council asked staff to share a draft application with the council and to bring conceptual exhibits and branding options to a future workshop so the incentive program and the overall Old Town vision move forward together.

Outcome: ordinance approved unanimously. Staff said it will publish guidance and open the program for applications once administrative procedures are complete.