Neighborhood Enhancement Grant

The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program is administered by the City of Temple, Texas and is designed to support targeted improvements within designated Neighborhood Planning Districts. As a local government initiative, the program reflects the City’s broader strategy to encourage reinvestment, revitalization, and long term community development in both residential and commercial areas. By offering financial incentives and waiving certain municipal fees, the City aims to stimulate property upgrades that align with neighborhood planning goals and enhance overall livability and economic vitality. The primary purpose of the program is to provide reimbursement based funding for eligible construction, rehabilitation, and site improvement projects. Residential applicants may pursue funding for new home construction, rehabilitation projects, and exterior improvements such as roofing, windows, landscaping, sidewalks, driveways, and accessory dwelling units. Commercial applicants are supported through funding for façade improvements, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, signage, outdoor seating, pedestrian infrastructure, and other enhancements that improve the functionality and visual appeal of business properties. Funding is structured as a reimbursement model, meaning applicants must complete the approved work and submit invoices and proof of payment before receiving grant funds. In kind labor is not eligible for reimbursement, which requires applicants to use documented financial expenditures. The City provides matching support depending on the project type, offering either a 20 percent or 50 percent contribution, with a maximum grant award of 10000 dollars across all categories. While certain municipal fees such as platting, zoning, and building permits are waived, utility related costs like water and wastewater tap fees are not covered under this program. Eligibility is limited to applicants who own or lease property within an officially designated Neighborhood Planning District in Temple. Applicants must also be current on all property taxes and city fees and must commit to completing the project within specified timelines. The program allows both residential and commercial participation, broadening access to individuals, property owners, and business operators who meet the geographic and compliance requirements. However, applicants cannot receive funding for the same project through the City’s SIZ grant program, although participation in the Infill Redevelopment Program is permitted. The application process begins with the submission of an interest form, after which City staff review the proposed project and invite selected applicants to submit a formal application. Final approval is determined by the City Manager. Once approved, applicants must begin work within nine months and complete the project within one year. After completion, applicants submit documentation for reimbursement, followed by a final inspection and approval process before funds are disbursed. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including alignment with Neighborhood Planning District recommendations, the anticipated impact on the surrounding community, project readiness, financial feasibility, and compliance with city regulations. Additional considerations include overall community benefit and the degree to which the project contributes to neighborhood improvement goals. While no fixed application deadlines are stated, the structured review process and phased submission approach indicate an ongoing or rolling application cycle managed by City staff.

Ensure project aligns with Neighborhood Planning District goals and demonstrates readiness financial feasibility and community impact