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Council discusses a flexible facade improvement grant using Auburn model as template
Summary
Staff presented Auburn’s tiered facade grant model (small awards under $5k, midrange up to $50k with sliding matches, reimbursement‑based) and council asked staff to draft a local ordinance and application with flexible matching options and safeguards (maintenance, lease terms, reimbursement).
Port Orchard staff reviewed a model for a downtown facade improvement grant at the March 17 work study and asked the council for policy direction on match levels, award caps and distribution approach.
Nick Bond and staff described the City of Auburn's program as a reference: a roughly $100,000 annual fund with three tiers — small grants under $5,000 that typically require no cash match, midrange awards up to $30,000 with a sliding match (e.g., 30% owner/70% city for some categories), and larger category awards up to $50,000 with higher owner matches. The Auburn program is reimbursement‑based and focuses on historic facades and physical improvements that provide public benefit.
Council members debated first‑come/first‑serve versus application windows, appropriate matching percentages (some favor 50/50 while Auburn used up to 70/30), whether donated materials or labor count toward the match (staff said receipts and donor letters would document gift‑in‑kind contributions), lease/tenant tenure requirements, and the need for timelines and maintenance obligations in grant agreements.
Staff said they will draft a local ordinance, application and talking points that preserve flexibility and ensure funds are directed to durable, publicly beneficial facade improvements. Council indicated interest in flexibility to maximize near‑term impact while including safeguards to prevent gifts being used only for short‑term signage or transient private benefit.
