FY 2026 TIFA Residential Grant Program

The TIFA is pleased to continue offering the popular Residential Improvement Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026. 

New this year is an online application process. Applicants can use the form fields on the right side of this webpage to submit their application. Residents requiring assistance with submitting an online application can visit the Building Department on the ground floor of City Hall.

Summary

• Grants are awarded on a 1:1 cash match on behalf of the applicant for all eligible expenses. The maximum grant is $5,000 for a project costing $10,000 or more.
• Grant funds are paid at the completion of the project to either the contractor (W9 required for payment) or to the property owner as a reimbursement upon submission of receipts and other required documents.
• Applications are considered on a first-come first-serve basis beginning April 14th, 2025.
• The property must be located within the boundaries of the Tax Increment Finance Authority. Click here for a map.
• Property taxes must be current on the subject property.
• Proposed façade improvements must also comply with all applicable building and zoning codes, and a building permit is required as a  final inspection must be performed before reimbursement.
• Proposed façade improvements must be on any exterior face of an existing building that is visible from any street, right-of-way, or parking lot. This includes the building’s front, rear, entryway, or exposed side.
• The project must be a permanent improvement; not temporary or seasonal.
• The project must enhance or fit into the larger context of neighboring buildings.
• If performed by a licensed contractor, material and labor costs can be considered eligible expenses. Property owners cannot charge labor for their own time or their employees’ time; however, “do-it-yourself” expenditures on materials are eligible.

Eligible Projects

• Front and rear building façade improvements. Façade improvements include porches, overhangs, railings, and stairs. Regular maintenance items such as tuck-pointing are not eligible.
• Side facades to the extent that they are visible to the public eye
• Enhanced front entryways
• Aesthetic improvements (such as awnings)
• Fencing along alleyways or in a street-side yard.
• Structural and cosmetic upgrades to garages
• Pouring expanded concrete parking pads
• Painting only as part of a comprehensive façade improvement project
• Doors and windows if part of a comprehensive façade improvement project

Ineligible Projects

• Physical or visual removal of architecturally important feature
• Driveway or sidewalk repairs or replacement.
• Installation of vinyl or aluminum siding
• Roofs
• Parking Lots
• Mechanical systems
• Landscaping, particularly plant material. However, the construction or improvement of landscape planting beds or other landscape features that incorporate facade elements is allowed.
• Murals
• Routine general maintenance items that are part of normal property ownership
• Repair of any code violations
• Interior renovation projects