HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.a. Downtown Grant Pilot Program
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Port Authority Meeting: June 15, 2021
AGENDA ITEM: Downtown Grant Pilot Program AGENDA SECTION:
New Business
PREPARED BY: Eric Van Oss, Economic Development
Coordinator AGENDA NO. 5.a.
ATTACHMENTS: None. APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion Item.
SUMMARY
The City of Rosemount recognizes the important role that a vibrant, authentic downtown plays in the
City’s vitality. Strategic Planning efforts of the Rosemount Port Authority identify Downtown
Revitalization as an important objective. A well-maintained and attractive public realm reflects community
pride and contributes to urban vitality. The Port Authority and City Staff has long discussed establishing a
fund to assist building owners with improvements to façade and landscaping that enhances the quality and
appeal of Downtown Rosemount.
Staff is recommending the creation of a pilot grant program to assist business owners with façade and
exterior improvements. Staff researched existing grant programs in Minnesota cities focused on downtown
improvements to building facades. Staff looked at a number of programs, including Jordan, Northfield,
North Minneapolis, and Faribault. For this discussion item, staff outlines proposed eligibility requirements,
eligible uses, grant size, grant number, grant payments and match requirements. After the Port discussion,
staff will incorporate the Port’s input into a draft resolution. At a subsequent Port meeting the
Commissioners will be asked to approve the resolution authorizing the program.
Eligibility: The pilot program district will by synonymous with the area identified in the Development
Framework for Downtown Rosemount, described the area of Rosemount that lies along Highway 3 (South
Robert Trail) between 143rd Street and County Road 42. Building owners and commercial tenants (with
property owner’s approval) of commercial properties within the project area can apply for a downtown
grant. For-profit and not-for-profit entities are eligible to apply, as long as the grant is used for a
commercial building. Staff is also considering restriction eligibility to businesses that have been operational
for one or more years.
Eligible Uses: Grant dollars may be used for improvements to the exterior of buildings including brick
replacement and repair, window and door replacement/repair, installation of new windows and glass
doors, awnings and signs, exterior steps/entrances, landscaping, lighting and related permanent
improvements.
Grant Amount: Grant funds must be matched 1:1 with private dollars. Grant amounts may range from
$1,000 up to $5,000 ($2,000-$10,000+ total project cost) per property.
Number of Grants: The City will offer downtown grants totaling up to $20,000 annually. Each applicant
is eligible for one grant per calendar year. Grants will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.
2
Payments: This is a reimbursement program. Applicants must complete all improvements and pay for the
total project cost or total private match, prior to receiving a reimbursement check from the City.
Applicants shall submit a copy of the invoice for the grant related improvement to the City.
Design Standards and Process: All projects must meet the criteria identified in the City Code under 11-
4-11: DT DOWNTOWN DISTRICT. Applicants will work with staff to determine if grant eligible
activities can proceed with administrative review or require Planning Commission review on a case by case
basis.
Reporting: Businesses will be asked to provide “before and after” photos of the project to the City.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests feedback from the Port Authority on the proposed pilot program.