Tamarac proposes $3 million in incentives to revive commercial plazas and help small businesses

The City of Tamarac is proposing a $3 million economic development incentives package aimed at restoring aging commercial plazas, reimbursing tenant build-outs and distributing microgrants to small businesses, Kenneth Lopez, economic development administrator, told the commission at the May 12 agenda review meeting.

Lopez said the package would be spread across multiple programs: a Commercial Plaza Recovery program, a Small Business Microgrant program, an expanded Commercial Façade Grant program and a Tenant Improvement/Interior Build‑out grant. "The mission of the economic development office is to foster the economic resilience, sustainability and comprehensive revitalization of the City of Tamarac through effective pro‑growth, business friendly development policies and programs," Lopez said.

Why it matters: City staff said many shopping plazas in Tamarac are outdated or out of compliance with code and that targeted incentives could restore properties, attract destination businesses and direct contract work to local minority-, women- and small‑owned firms. The commission will review the formal proposal Wednesday; the presentation on Monday served as an introduction and a public discussion ahead of the commission decision.

Program details presented

Commercial Plaza Recovery: Staff described a program that pairs an initial consultation with plaza owners, a city‑approved timeline…