Facade Improvement Program

The Clermont County Port Authority Facade Improvement Program Pilot is a locally administered economic development initiative established to support the revitalization of commercial properties within Clermont County, Ohio. The program is managed by the Clermont County Port Authority, a public entity created in 2012 by the County Commissioners to facilitate economic growth and redevelopment. Although the Port Authority does not maintain dedicated staff, it operates in coordination with the Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development. This program represents a targeted effort to enhance the visual and economic vitality of commercial corridors, particularly within designated low- and moderate-income areas. The primary objective of the program is to stimulate private investment in building improvements that improve the exterior appearance of commercial properties and contribute to broader community character and economic development. Funding for the program is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant program, which requires all supported activities to meet federal eligibility and national objective criteria. The initiative focuses on enhancing visible building facades, encouraging reinvestment in existing structures, and supporting local businesses and property owners in improving the aesthetic quality of their properties. The program provides financial assistance for a range of eligible exterior improvements that are visible from the public right-of-way. These include facade restoration, exterior painting, masonry repair, storefront upgrades, signage improvements, lighting enhancements, accessibility upgrades, and architectural detailing. Certain costs such as permit and architectural fees may also be included up to a defined percentage. However, the program explicitly excludes interior renovations, routine maintenance, new construction, acquisition costs, and any work initiated prior to grant approval or environmental clearance. All funded improvements must comply with federal regulations tied to HUD funding, including environmental review and labor standards when applicable. Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, business owners with property owner authorization, and nonprofit organizations operating within commercial spaces in Clermont County. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with all applicable regulations and must not have unresolved code violations, tax delinquencies, or liens. Properties must be located within designated eligible areas defined by HUD guidelines and must include commercial or mixed-use buildings with ground-floor commercial activity. Residential-only properties and those engaged in ineligible activities are excluded from participation. The application process involves multiple steps beginning with an optional pre-application consultation, followed by submission of a complete application package. Required materials include a detailed project description, cost estimates from at least two contractors, photographs of existing conditions, proof of ownership or authorization, documentation of matching funds, and required federal forms. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as visual impact, project readiness, financial leverage, economic impact, alignment with community goals, property condition, and compliance with federal objectives. A structured scoring system is used, with a minimum threshold required for funding consideration. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, subject to availability and completion of all federal review requirements. The program has a defined timeline, with applications opening on July 1, 2026, and closing on May 30, 2027. Award notifications are typically issued within approximately three weeks of application submission, contingent upon compliance and approval processes. Projects must be completed within a specified timeframe, generally between six and twelve months, and no later than August 30, 2027. Recipients must adhere to strict documentation, procurement, and compliance requirements throughout the project lifecycle. The program requires a minimum applicant contribution, ensuring that recipients have a financial stake in the improvements. All funded projects must enter into formal agreements outlining responsibilities, compliance obligations, and project scope. Disbursement of funds occurs after project completion and verification, including inspections and submission of required documentation. The program emphasizes accountability, transparency, and alignment with broader economic development goals, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to funding availability and policy changes.

Focus on high visual impact and readiness to proceed; secure multiple bids and exceed minimum match to improve scoring; ensure compliance with CDBG requirements and demonstrate economic impact