CDA Downtown Revitalization Grant Application

Waupun Community Development Authority

Downtown Revitalization Grant

$35,000 available for 2022 

PURPOSE

• Stimulate private investment in high-quality building facade improvements that contribute to the overall strength of downtown as a shopping and dining destination
• Grow the tax base within Tax Increment District 3
• Attract and retain more small retail, restaurant, high density office, and destination locations to our downtown

The Downtown Revitalization Grant Program is available to property owners and businesses within the City of Waupun’s Tax Increment District 3 (TID 3).  As a matching grant program, the CDA will reimburse the grantee for up to 50% of expenses, with a maximum award of $5,000.  Additional grant funding equal to 5% of grant amount will be provided if a local registered contractor is used.  The CDA reserves the right under this program to exceed the maximum grant amount on a case-by-case basis.  Applicants are eligible for only one grant award per assessed property every two years, unless otherwise approved by the CDA.  Exception will be granted to multiple business entities located on a single tax parcel.  The Downtown Revitalization Grant Program may be used in conjunction with the Business Improvement District’s Facade Improvement Program.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• The property must be located within TID 3 boundaries, see attached.
• Property owners and tenants are eligible to apply; joint applications are encouraged.
• Tenants must have a minimum of 1 year remaining on current lease from the date of application
• Properties zoned residential are not eligible.
• Tax-exempt properties are not eligible.
• Properties will not be eligible if any special assessments, real estate or personal property taxes, utility bills, or other city charges are delinquent.
• Applicants located within the Business Improvement District (BID) must first apply ot the BID for their Facade Improvement Program.  If a BID grant is awarded, the CDA will consider the portion of the application not covered by the BID award.  In this case the CDA would reimburse the grantee for up to 50% of the remaining expenses, with a maximum award of $5,000.

ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

Eligible improvements shall include but are not limited to the following improvements made to commercial building facade(s) facing a public street.  Improvements must comply with all building and zoning requirements, and must be in conformance with the Central Business District Design Guidelines (Waupun Municipal Code Chapter 25, attached).  Special consideration will be given to projects that have the ability to generate significant tax increment.

Eligible improvements include but are not limited to:

• Facade Renovations
• Painting, tuck-pointing, masonry repairs
• Signage
• Doors
• Windows
• Awnings
• Deck Construction or Repair
• Outdoor Seating
• Exterior Lighting
• Labor for eligible improvements provided by a hired contractor
• Other activities designated by the CDA

INELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS

• General Maintenance
• Interior Improvements   *Exceptions will be granted for projects that have the ability to generate significant tax increment
• Parking Lot Construction or Repair
• Roof Repairs
• Landscaping
• Property acquisition
• Any improvements completed prior to receiving grant approval
• Signage not in compliance with the City’s Downtown Design Guidelines sign code other than exceptions granted by the Plan Commission.

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW PROCESS

1. Applications are distributed and collected by the CDA no later than the 1st Tuesday of the month.
2. Prior to submission, applicants must receive project approval by the Building Inspector.
3. Prior to submission, applicants must obtain Cost Estimates*, Property Photos, a Project Plan drawn to ¼” scale, and Paint/Material Samples.  *Program funds come from local tax revenues to support local projects.  Although not required, it is appreciated if applicants consider obtaining bids from local contractors in preparing their application.
4. Completed applications are reviewed on an as needed basis by the CDA, which has discretion over the program.  Applicants must attend the scheduled CDA meeting.
5. Notification of approval/denial will be provided to the applicant by the CDA within 7 days of the scheduled CDA meeting.  Note that the project must be approved prior to any of the work taking place.
6. Changes to an approved project must be reviewed and approved by the City Administrator.  Additional approval by the CDA may be deemed necessary.   Failure to obtain approval may result in reduction of award amount or grant forfeiture.

PROJECT COMPLETION AND REIMBURSEMENT

1. Upon project completion, grantee must submit copies of paid invoices to CDA for reimbursement. 
2. Only approved eligible expenses will be considered for reimbursement.
3. The Grant award amount is not a guaranteed payment amount.  Final grant payout is based on project costs reflected in actual paid invoices submitted for reimbursement. 
4. Payout will not exceed the maximum grant amount approved by the CDA.  If total project costs are less than estimated, the grant reimbursement will be pro-rated in accordance with grant guidelines.
5. Projects must be completed within 6 months of grant approval unless otherwise approved by the CDA. 
6. Projects not completed by the deadline will be considered closed due to incompletion and grant will be forfeited.
7. Once grant payout is made, the application will be considered closed and no additional expenses will be allowable.

Revised 1/19/2022