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North Lauderdale expands small-business and housing aid in 2026 budget proposals
Summary
Community Development proposed new small-business grants, rental assistance, expanded minor home repair and an AC replacement program, and budgeted funds to update the city's land-development code.
City of North Lauderdale community development staff outlined a package of new small-business and housing programs in the proposed 2026 budget at the Sept. 12 budget workshop.
Community Development Director (first name given in presentation as Tanya) told commissioners the department will add two small-business grant programs funded from a $50,000 program pool: a commercial improvement grant program capped at $10,000 per business to cover hard costs such as signage or interior renovations, and a second $50,000 program for smaller "soft-cost" needs such as marketing or professional services, with individual awards up to $5,000. Director Tanya said the programs are intended to help businesses with storefront improvements and operational stabilization and that staff will conduct outreach and application assistance.
On housing, Tanya reported the city will continue its minor home repair program (which she said has run a waiting list) and will operate a new rental-assistance program designed to cover short-term gaps. Tanya described the rental program as offering a maximum of three months' assistance, up to $6,000, for qualifying households. She also described a federal CDBG homeowner rehab option with awards up to $50,000 that would be secured by a lien for homeowners who plan to stay in the property.
Tanya also said the department is budgeting an increase to planning and code work in order to proceed with a multi-chapter rewrite of the land development code. She identified three major code areas targeted for amendment: the sign code, the subdivision and land-development code (chapter 98), and the comprehensive zoning chapter (chapter 106), with public hearings and community outreach planned.
Commissioners asked staff how the new programs would be administered and whether prior applicants on the ARPA waiting list would be prioritized. Tanya said the department maintains applicant lists and will re-notify prior applicants when a program opens; previously assisted applicants would not be eligible to receive a second grant under the same program.
The Community Development director said the department's increases are intended to replace expiring ARPA allocations and to create local programs that provide similar supports directly managed by the city.
