Council authorizes commercial façade grant program, seeks $150,000 for 2026

The Hutchinson City Council approved a resolution authorizing a Commercial Façade Improvement Program intended to encourage local businesses to improve building façades, reduce blight and enhance community aesthetics. Matt Williams, director of community development, presented the proposal and answered council questions; the roll call recorded yes votes by Councilmembers Garza, Fast and Goss.

Williams said the program is modeled on similar efforts in Derby and Salina and was introduced to council on Feb. 4 and to the planning commission on Feb. 25. “Our program has been developed based off of similar programs in Derby and Salina,” Williams said. The Community Development Department will oversee applications and the planning commission will assist in project selection based on code compliance, property condition, project feasibility and compatibility with adopted city plans.

Under the approved resolution, the city would match up to 50% of eligible façade-improvement costs with a maximum grant of $10,000 per commercial property. Eligible properties must be on an arterial street south of and including Eleventh Avenue. Funds would be disbursed after project completion and inspection. Williams told council the department is seeking $150,000 to establish the program beginning in 2026, with awards distributed over a three-year period.

Council members expressed support, noting prior successful façade efforts downtown and emphasizing that applicants must be current on taxes and fees to qualify. The motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded; the recorded roll call showed affirmative votes by Garza, Fast and Goss. No public speakers addressed the item at the meeting.