Pre-Development Grant Program

The Pre-Development Grant Program is administered by the City of Beaverton and the Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Agency as part of its broader community development and economic development strategy. The program is designed to stimulate redevelopment activity within the Central Beaverton Urban Renewal District by providing financial assistance and technical support to property owners and developers. Its overarching goal is to enhance livability, attract employment opportunities, and encourage higher-density, mixed-use, office, and industrial development aligned with city policies and growth targets. The program prioritizes projects that maximize site potential and contribute to long-term urban revitalization. The program offers multiple funding tracks to support early-stage development activities. Conceptual Design and Feasibility Grants provide applicants with consultant services contracted directly by the city to evaluate redevelopment opportunities, including site feasibility, design concepts, and financial viability. These grants do not require matching funds and are intended to reduce barriers to entry for initial project exploration. Matching Grants are available at two levels, both requiring a 50 percent cost share from the applicant. Level 1 grants reimburse up to 25000 dollars for pre-development services, while Level 2 grants provide up to 75000 dollars for highly catalytic, large-scale, and complex redevelopment projects. Eligible uses include architectural and engineering studies, environmental assessments, financial analyses, and building inspections. In addition to development-focused funding, the program includes a placemaking grant component, which allocates up to 25000 dollars annually to projects that enhance community engagement and vibrancy. These projects are typically awarded through a competitive process and aim to increase public activity, attract investment, and foster community identity. Examples include cultural events, temporary installations, and activation of underutilized public spaces. Placemaking grants may have distinct eligibility criteria compared to development-focused grants. Eligibility for the program is restricted to program participants who have site control within the Central Beaverton Urban Renewal District. This includes property owners or entities with a contract to purchase or ground lease. Projects must involve significant rehabilitation, redevelopment, or new construction and demonstrate the potential to increase density or employment. Preference is given to developments located in designated zoning areas such as RC-TO, RC-OT, IND, or OI zones, as well as projects that incorporate mixed-use or high-density housing with active street frontage. Projects are expected to be feasible for construction within five years. The application process involves initial engagement with the city’s Development Project Manager to confirm eligibility and refine the project scope. Applicants must then submit a formal application along with required documentation. Upon approval, participants must execute a Letter of Commitment and, for matching grants, a Project Agreement outlining scope, budget, and timeline. Reimbursement for matching grants occurs after submission of paid invoices and verification of completed work. The Community Development Director retains final authority over project approval and eligibility determinations. The program operates on a first come, first serve basis and does not specify a fixed application deadline, indicating a rolling application structure. While no formal evaluation scoring rubric is detailed, funding decisions are guided by alignment with city priorities, project feasibility, and potential economic and community impact. Contact for the program is provided through the Economic Development Division, with a named Development Project Manager available for inquiries via email and phone. The program does not specify award notification timelines or a defined performance period beyond general expectations tied to project completion and reimbursement milestones.

Focus on projects that increase density or employment and align with city zoning priorities such as mixed use and high density development