At its June 25 meeting, the Main Street Advisory Board voted unanimously to modify the city’s façade improvement program, renaming it the Downtown Improvement Grant and broadening eligible work to include interior systems and energy conservation measures necessary to make historic downtown buildings leasable.

The changes — moved by Anita Ramos Ramirez and seconded by Rudy Trevino — expand eligible improvements to include electrical service upgrades, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, HVAC, plumbing, lighting, restoration of historic interior architectural features and utility service upgrades. Staff also removed several previous caps on specific items and adjusted the large‑project threshold: buildings 5,000 square feet (revised from 10,000) with project costs exceeding $70,000 may now qualify for awards up to $40,000.

Board staff said the revisions responded to feedback from downtown property owners, who reported they were not applying because many needs involve interior systems rather than exterior paint or stucco. Staff emphasized the changes are targeted to work required to make older buildings safe and marketable, not to fund nonessential furnishings or secondhand inventory.

Under the program’s reimbursement model, applicants continue to be reimbursed a percentage of verified eligible costs (previously 50% up to the façade cap); staff said details of reimbursement and documentation requirements remain in the program guidelines, now renamed for the expanded scope.

Board members supported the changes and asked staff to present the updated guidelines to the Chamber of Commerce and other downtown stakeholders; staff said the updated program description will be posted the following day and staff will provide outreach to encourage applications.

The board approved the reforms by voice vote with no recorded opposition.