Design Services Grant

Step 1: Before applying, contact the Program Manager to confirm your project is eligible.
Step 2: Submit your completed application.
Step 3: City staff will contact you to notify you of your award within 3-4 weeks.
Step 4: Both parties will sign a Letter of Commitment. This letter serves as the grant contract.
Step 5: City staff will introduce you to a city-contracted architect, followed by a design process that will take approximately 3-4 months and include 4 meetings

1. A kickoff meeting with you, the architect, and city staff 
2. Initial Review: The architect will provide 2-3 designs for your feedback 
3. Final Design Review: The architect will provide one design for your final feedback. The resulting design will be sent to contractors for bids 
4. A final meeting will occur to review all rough-order-magnitude bids, once received 

Step 6: All work will be completed in time for the next application round of Improvement Grants should the Applicant wish to move forward with construction.
Step 7: Should you wish to move forward, city staff will also be available to answer questions as you and your chosen contractor obtain necessary permits and undertake construction. 

Improvement Grant

Step 1: Before applying, contact the Program Manager to confirm your project is eligible.
Step 2: Identify the work you would like to complete as part of your project and approach contractors to determine the cost of completing that work. Note: Applicants only need to have and include one construction bid when submitting this application. However, the Applicant must obtain and provide city staff with a total of three competitive bids for all project elements over $5,000 before funding can take place.
Step 3: Submit your completed application.
Step 4: If your grant application is approved, city staff will contact you to notify you of your award within 3-4 weeks.
Step 5: A city-contracted photographer will visit your business to take “before” photos.
Step 6: Both parties will sign a Letter of Commitment. This letter serves as the grant contract.
Step 7: Your team will obtain any necessary permits for your project.
Step 8: Once all necessary permits have been issued, construction may begin.
Step 9: After the project is completed, submit all receipts along with confirmation of payment provided by the vendor to the city for reimbursement. Note: Reimbursement can occur in up to three separate payments and does not have to be held until all work is complete. This negotiation will occur as part of the Letter of Commitment.