RENOVATE Facade Improvement Program

The RENOVATE Facade Improvement Program is administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and represents a county-funded initiative designed to support economic revitalization in historically disinvested commercial corridors. Since its launch in 2015, the program has focused on strengthening small businesses by improving the physical appearance, safety, and accessibility of storefronts. Through targeted investments in facade enhancements, the program aims to stimulate economic growth, increase foot traffic, and reinforce long-term community development across eligible areas of Los Angeles County. The primary purpose of the program is to provide grants for comprehensive facade design and construction improvements. These improvements focus on the visible exterior elements of commercial buildings, including storefront windows, doors, signage, lighting, paint, and accessibility features. The program emphasizes enhancements that improve curb appeal while ensuring compliance with applicable codes, including Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. By investing in these upgrades, the initiative supports business viability and encourages reinvestment in underserved neighborhoods. Funding under the program supports a wide range of allowable activities related to facade improvement. Eligible uses include repair or replacement of signage, restoration of exterior finishes, window and door upgrades, installation of awnings and canopies, exterior lighting improvements, decorative elements, painting, and security features such as roll-down gates. Accessibility improvements, such as ADA-compliant entrances, are also prioritized. Projects may include multiple storefronts within a single building, provided they meet program requirements. The program does not specify fixed award amounts but instead provides comprehensive design and construction services aligned with project scope. Eligibility for the program includes commercial property owners and commercial tenants who have written approval from property owners. Applicants must meet several baseline requirements, including being current on property taxes and water bills, having no non-mortgage liens, and operating in buildings that were constructed more than five years prior to application. Additionally, properties that have received RENOVATE funding within the past ten years are not eligible. Religious organizations and government offices are excluded, although non-governmental tenants operating within government-owned buildings may be considered. The application process begins with submission of an interest form, which collects basic business and property information along with proposed improvement types. While detailed application steps are not explicitly outlined, participation requires entering into a formal grant agreement and a recorded maintenance covenant. This covenant obligates property owners to maintain improvements for a period of ten years and ensures continuity even if ownership of the property changes. The program does not specify formal evaluation criteria but prioritizes projects located within designated commercial corridors and those that align with program goals. The program operates on an ongoing basis without a clearly defined application deadline, suggesting a rolling intake structure. Priority is given to specific commercial corridors in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, although projects in incorporated cities may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require matching funds from local jurisdictions. Contact with the administering agency can be made via email or phone, and interested applicants are encouraged to stay informed through official communications channels. Overall, the RENOVATE program represents a sustained investment in local economic infrastructure and community-focused business development.