Weatherford board lowers threshold, narrows eligibility for downtown facade grant

The Weatherford Economic Development Board voted July 19 to revise its Central Business District facade improvement grant, adopting a minimum private investment of $10,000 with the city providing up to a 50% match (capped at $10,000).

Ashley, a city staff presenter, said the program originally targeted larger $25,000 projects but staff and stakeholders recommended reducing the minimum to allow smaller yet high-quality improvements. "If we can still do quality projects at $10,000 minimum, we want to do it all day," Ashley said.

The adopted policy establishes that grants are reimbursements and that the city's contribution is capped at $10,000; for projects under $20,000 the division is not a strict 50/50 split, staff explained. Board members clarified that tenants may apply but the owner's signature is required on the application; the city will request a copy of the lease for tenant-led projects. Members also directed that participating properties be current on taxes and utilities, and staff said that requirement can be enforced and clarified in application materials.

During discussion a board member urged expanding the definition of eligible improvements beyond signage attached to a facade to include more permanent features such as a building monument, arguing public investment should produce long-term value. Ashley said staff and others had discussed that option and were open to the proposed wording change. The board moved to accept the policy as written with the modifications to add "building monument" in eligible improvements and to require current taxes and utilities; the motion passed unanimously.

Ashley told the board that about 15 applications had been submitted earlier but were placed on hold during construction on York; staff also noted receipt of a letter of support from a downtown group. Chair Ken praised staff after the vote, saying, "Nicely done staff. This is a huge improvement and a great step forward for our downtown area." The revised policy is intended to encourage a broader set of smaller-scale facade improvements while preserving the city's ability to ensure public funds support lasting upgrades.

The board did not adopt exact numeric application caps during the meeting; details about application timelines, final eligibility language, and the implementation schedule were left to staff to finalize and publish.