Assistance Programs

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) offers several financial assistance programs to enhance residential and commercial properties within the three CRA districts. From forgivable loans to rebates, these initiatives promote neighborhood revitalization and work to preserve the city's character, boost economic development, and enhance community resilience.

Apply for a Program

Residential Property Improvement Program (RPIP)

Due to high demand, only the Urban Core CRA District is currently open. Get notified when the Westside and Eastside waitlists reopen.

Qualified property owners in all CRA districts may apply for forgivable loans through our Residential Property Improvement Program (RPIP) program to repair, restore, and enhance residential properties.

The mission of the RPIP is to keep residents in their homes and to preserve the traditional character of CRA neighborhoods. The Program is available to income-qualifying homeowners and landlords who maintain the property as an affordable unit over the course of a specified “affordability period.” Loans are written to provide up to $105,000 in assistance to eligible property owners.

Eligible rehabilitation activities may include structure cleaning, exterior painting or re-siding, doors and windows, roofing, landscaping, exterior lighting, fencing, porch repair/replacement, foundation work, and shutters. The program is subject to funding availability.

• Search Eligible Addresses
• Residential Property Improvement Program Guidelines
• Urban Core Target Area Map
• Westside Target Area Map
• Eastside Target Area Map

Residential Resiliency Program (RRP)

Available in the Urban Core, Westside, and Eastside redevelopment areas.

Residents can protect and improve their homes by repairing storm damage or securing property against future risks through the Residential Resiliency Program (RRP). Eligible homeowners may qualify for up to $15,000 in assistance through a one-year forgivable loan. RRP helps remove and prevent blight while enhancing neighborhood resilience against storms and flooding.

The program is available for owner-occupied and long-term leased property (12 months or more) rented to tenants with a household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

Eligible improvements may include:

• Emergency roof repair
• Hazardous tree removal/trimming
• Electrical, plumbing, and structural repairs
• At-risk mechanical equipment repair/replacement and/or evaluation
• Other improvements that remedy storm damage or secure at-risk property against future damage may be considered case-by-case.
• Search Eligible Addresses
• Residential Resiliency Program Guidelines
• Urban Core Target Area Map
• Westside Target Area Map
• Eastside Target Area Map

CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP)

Available in the Urban Core and Westside redevelopment areas for non-residential properties.

Property owners can enhance their buildings, attract more tenants, and improve their neighborhoods with support from the CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP).

The program provides forgivable loans to property owners to support eligible improvements, such as:

• Exterior repair and enhancements necessary to restore the building's appearance, integrity, and character.
• Fencing, lighting, landscaping signage, and pavement.
• Other improvements necessary to enhance the street face of the property and provide for conditions that enable use or reuse.

Funding amounts depend on the property’s size, age, and cultural or historical importance. For commercial and non-residential projects, the maximum award is $150,000. Cemeteries can receive up to $100,000, but the amount will vary based on how much improvement is needed. This program requires a 10-20% match, depending on property ownership type.

• Search Eligible Addresses
• Commercial Property Improvement Program Guidelines
• CPIP Pre-eligibility Application
• Urban Core Target Area Map
• Westside Target Area Map

TIF Rebate Incentive

The TIF Rebate incentivizes redevelopment within the City's Redevelopment Areas. This rebate is a payment made to a developer for an established time period that equals a percentage of the tax increment produced by project construction. TIF Rebates are subject to policy guidelines.

Affordable Housing Rebate

The Area Reinvestment Agreement for Affordable Housing (ARA-AH) encourages private developers to build affordable housing aligned with city redevelopment goals. Through this agreement, the CRA can rebate a portion of the increased tax revenue (TIF) that a new project generates, making it more financially attractive for developers.

Eligible projects must provide substantial community benefits and be in a designated redevelopment district (excluding the West Main District, which has its own rebate program). To qualify for a TIF rebate, projects must include at least 10% affordable housing and meet objectives like reducing blight, boosting economic development, and enhancing the streetscape.

• Affordable Housing Reinvestment Policy
• TIF District Map