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Decorah council allocates $100,000 from sustainability funds for downtown grants in FY26
Summary
Council approved a $100,000 allocation from sustainability funds for the Downtown Economic Development Grant program in fiscal 2026, continuing the city's incentive program for facade improvements and upper-story housing.
The Decorah City Council voted to allocate $100,000 from sustainability funds to the Downtown Economic Development Grant program for fiscal year 2026.
Staff explained the grant program, adopted the prior year, provides matching funds (typically requiring a 3:1 match) for exterior renovations, upper-story residential restoration or creation, and facade improvements. Council discussed program caps: a $25,000 cap for upper-story residential projects and a $10,000 cap for exterior renovation/repair grants. Staff said the city awarded roughly $137,000 in the first year to about a dozen projects and that most awardees have 18 months to complete work. Council members said they expected the $100,000 allocation to be sufficient for a second-year application round and that funds should come from sustainability rather than hotel-motel revenues.
"I move we continue the program with an amount for next fiscal year of a hundred thousand dollars out of sustainability funds," a councilmember said and the motion passed on roll call.
Councilmembers argued the program has spurred investment and could help bring upper-story housing online; staff noted two projects had already completed and that others remain in progress. The council also noted remaining unspent funds from the prior year will revert to general balances rather than being automatically carried forward to the grant program.
The resolution passed by roll call; staff will administer application guidance and award rounds under the same program rules.
