Montgomery rolls out downtown streetscape plan and MEDC business-improvement grant

Kimberly Gonzalez, assistant director of economic development for the city of Montgomery, opened a public meeting to outline a downtown streetscape improvement project and a new Business Improvement Grant program administered by the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

The grant program, Gonzalez said, is designed to help local, for-profit businesses pay for façade, sign, landscaping and interior upgrades and will include a business-displacement component to match rent for up to six months. "This project is intended to enhance our historic downtown by improving walkability, pedestrian and traffic safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience while preserving the unique character and history that make Montgomery so special," Gonzalez said.

City consultants from WGA and landscape architect Kat Lynch presented design concepts that focus on widening pedestrian areas, adding tree grates and planters, installing benches and historic-style lighting, and creating a signature pedestrian feature at Liberty and 105. WGA City Engineer Zachary Chen said the scope was expanded from prior, separate projects to combine paving, waterline and storm improvements into a single phased effort to avoid repeated reconstruction. "Ultimately, the goal [is] minimizing destruction and displacement and lack of access to the downtown community," Chen said.

Staff said bidding is expected in September, with a contractor notice to proceed likely in October and construction work extending into spring 2027, subject to phasing. Gonzalez said most grant awards will be reimbursement grants; a preliminary $25,000 was set aside for FY2026–27 but is subject to change. Applications will open Oct. 1, 2026, and MEDC will review submissions for eligibility and funding levels.

The presentation included design trade-offs such as brick-style pavers versus stamped concrete and conceptual parking updates. Chen said the project aims to add approximately 38 downtown parking spaces, plus expanded parking tied to the new City Hall and additional wayfinding signage to direct visitors to public parking.

The project team encouraged public feedback during design and stressed that final scopes and schedules will be refined with contractor input and coordination with TxDOT where state right-of-way is involved.

The city said MEDC will publish complete grant guidelines and the application packet ahead of the Oct. 1 opening and that staff remain available for questions as design continues.