BID opens façade grant cycle tomorrow, raises maximum to match prior awards; free 'gold-level' façade sketch discussed

Staff reported that the façade grant application and updated guidelines will be posted starting tomorrow and will remain open until Dec. 8; a second application cycle will run in spring to give property owners more opportunities to apply.

John, who chairs the façade grant committee, told the board he had updated grant guidelines and raised the maximum award level to reflect the larger grants the BID has approved in recent years. He said the committee has contacted previous interested property owners and that staff will email the BID’s property-owner list to make owners aware of the earlier application period.

John said one application is nearly complete and that funds may be rolled back into the program if eligible work is not finished by February. The committee also adjusted application timing to avoid the late-December/January holiday period and to give applicants more time to prepare.

Separately, staff described a free façade sketch available through a "gold-level community" designation that the BID earned; the sketch is a conceptual façade drawing (not a construction drawing). Board members said the BID should prioritize a property that has demonstrated financing or readiness to follow through rather than using the sketch on an owner who cannot complete a project. Staff agreed to seek candidates and suggested matching the sketch with available spring façade funding where appropriate.

The board did not take a formal vote on grant policy changes at this meeting; staff will publish the application, accept submissions and return to the board with awards as applications are evaluated.