Downtown Economic Development Grant Program

The Downtown Economic Development Grant Program administered by the City of Decorah is a locally funded initiative aimed at strengthening the economic vitality and physical appearance of the city’s downtown district. The program is designed to encourage property owners and long-term tenants to invest in building improvements that enhance both commercial viability and residential opportunities. By focusing on façade upgrades and the conversion of underutilized upper-story spaces into housing, the City seeks to promote a more vibrant, livable, and economically resilient downtown environment. The program provides financial assistance through two primary funding tracks: Exterior Renovation and Repair Grants and Interior Renovation Grants for Upper Story Residential Conversions. Exterior improvements may include façade enhancements, structural repairs, accessibility upgrades, and awning installations, all of which contribute to improved streetscape aesthetics. Interior renovation grants are intended to support more substantial redevelopment efforts, including bringing upper-story spaces into compliance with safety codes, improving energy efficiency, and converting previously non-residential areas into residential units to increase housing supply in the downtown core. Funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis and requires a 3:1 applicant match, meaning applicants must contribute three dollars for every one dollar reimbursed by the City. The maximum grant award is 10000 dollars for exterior renovation projects and 25000 dollars for interior upper-story residential conversions. This cost-sharing structure ensures that applicants have a significant financial stake in the success of their projects, while also allowing the City to leverage limited public funds to support multiple initiatives. Eligible expenses are limited to direct project costs and exclude items such as furnishings, appliances, legal or accounting services, financing costs, and any expenditures incurred prior to City Council approval. Eligibility for the program is restricted to property owners and qualified tenants within the designated downtown program boundary. Tenants must demonstrate a minimum of five years remaining on their lease and must obtain written consent from the property owner to apply. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package that includes a detailed project proposal, design plans, photographs for exterior improvements, a project timeline, and a detailed budget. Documentation verifying the availability of matching funds is also required, and applicants must comply with all program rules and enter into a formal grant agreement upon award. The application process for the FY2027 cycle is currently open, with submissions required by 4:00 PM on June 22, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by City staff and presented to the Decorah City Council for consideration at its July 6, 2026 meeting. Applicants are encouraged to engage with City staff prior to submission through a pre-application consultation to ensure project eligibility and completeness of application materials. This consultation, while encouraged, is not mandatory for submission. The City has allocated a total of 150000 dollars for the FY2027 funding cycle, reflecting a continued commitment to downtown revitalization efforts. Awards are competitive and based on how effectively proposed projects contribute to the overall improvement, preservation, and economic development of the downtown area. Interested applicants may obtain application materials and additional program guidelines through the City of Decorah or by contacting the City Manager’s office directly. The program is expected to continue on a recurring basis, supporting ongoing investment in the downtown district.

Emphasize strong alignment with downtown revitalization goals, including visual improvements, housing creation, and economic impact