Development Assistance

Community Livability Grant Program

The Portland Development Commission (PDC) provides grants for capital improvement projects that implement community livability goals in urban renewal areas (URAs). Community livability projects will vary from URA to URA, but generally may include parks & open space, traffic calming, community facilities, and historic preservation & urban design projects.

PDC will issue an Announcement of Available Funds annually in each URA where funds are available. That announcement will specify the product focus, evaluation process, and timeline for implementation. The announcement may also invite proposals for larger-scale projects, and the announcement will specify the process and criteria for evaluating and awarding those grants.

Eligible Uses of Funds

Funding for this program is through tax increment financing (TIF) and, therefore, is tied to the infrastructure and physical improvements (including tenant improvements) of real estate projects within URAs. Funds shall not be used for ongoing administration, maintenance costs, or working capital.

Eligible Grantee

Neighborhood associations, business associations, and public or nonprofit tax-exempt entities are eligible.

Service Area

All URAs, as funding is available. Currently, this program is funded only in the Interstate Corridor URA.

Product Guidelines and Requirements

General criteria that would apply for all projects include:

• maximum amount of $50,000, although typically between $5,000 and $25,000
• demonstrate community support (through letters and other documentation)
• feasible for the budget proposed, either through detailed budgets or contractor estimates
• support community livability goals of the URA Plan
• demonstrate financial need for PDC funding
• can be completed within one year of grant award
• leverage other funds or in-kind donations

An evaluation committee of PDC staff and representatives from the community (generally the URA Advisory Committee) will review all proposals received and recommend which proposals will receive an allocation of funds. The PDC Development Department Director will make the final decision on the allocation of funds. Grant awards may include a requirement to provide recognition of the PDC funding during implementation of the project

Grant award payments will be on a reimbursement basis. The grantee is responsible for paying vendor invoices in full and then submitting a copy of the invoice(s) along with a proof of payment to PDC for reimbursement.