PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: June 24, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 3
DEPARTMENT: Office of Economic Development
PRIORITY: Targeted Economic Growth
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) establishment of a City Council District 3 (District 3) Exterior Improvement Grant Program for Retail Properties in accordance with the Program Statement (Exhibit A) for economic development grants of up to $100,000.00 to eligible small businesses in City Council District 3 to support building facade improvements and other exterior capital improvements to retail properties in City Council District 3; and (2) allocation of $1,200,000.00 in funds from the Economic Development (G) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) and ARPA redevelopment Fund for the District 3 Exterior Improvement Grant Program for Retail Properties - Not to exceed $1,200,000.00 - Financing: Economic Development (G) Fund (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund ($1,000,000.00) and ARPA Redevelopment Fund ($200,000.00)
*In alignment with Economic Development Incentive Policy.
Body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas Economic Development Incentive Policy adopted by City Council on January 25, 2023, by Resolution No. 23-0220, and amended by Resolution No. 25-0162 on January 22, 2025, authorizes the establishment of City Council District-specific Small Business Programs (Section 3.2). This section of the Incentive Policy enables City Council members to create targeted small business programs to enhance small business opportunities in specific parts or the entirety of one or more City Council Districts, provided they have identified discretionary funds to support such a program. Upon City Council approval of a program statement, the program becomes part of the City’s Economic Development Incentive Policy.
City Council member Zarin Gracey (District 3) has identified $200,000.00 in discretionary funds from The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Redevelopment Fund allocated to City Council District 3 as well as $1,000,000.00 in Proposition G General Obligation Bond Funds, to be used to support the creation and implementation District 3 Exterior Improvement Grant Program for Retail Properties. The purpose of the Program is to provide grants ("Grant Funds") to retail properties for permanent capital improvements that enhance economic vitality, increase taxable property values, and stimulate private investment within Council District 3 (District 3).
Projects may include permanent building façade improvements, hardscape site improvements, streetscape improvements, beautification and accessibility improvements such as benches, trash receptables, and bike racks when permanently affixed as part of a capital project, American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) improvements and building envelope/energy efficiency improvements. Only permanent capital improvements are allowed; routine maintenance and repairs are not permitted. Eligible Capital Expenditures are defined as the costs of constructing or producing permanent structural alterations or additions to tangible real property that materially enhance its value, adapt it to new or improved uses, or extend its useful life.
City funding of up to $100,000 per project will be provided on a reimbursement basis, with grantees required to provide a private match of at least 50%.
All projects must comply with the Program Statement (attached as Exhibit A), be submitted by the property owner and be located in District 3. The Office of Economic Development will administer this program. Complete applications will be considered in the order they are received, and the application will be available beginning June 30, 2026. Funds will be available until expended, and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis upon receipt of a complete application. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant with an opportunity for resubmittal. All funding awards will be deployed as grant agreements executed by the City Manager through an Administrative Action.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 28, 2024, the City Council authorized the transfer and reallocation of ARPA funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury for the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to the ARPA Redevelopment multi-year fund to provide assistance with completing projects by Resolution No. 24-0315.
The Economic Development Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on June 1, 2026. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15509109&GUID=A6E48C09-00E4-4B00-A135-4AD90F328E55>
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
ARPA Redevelopment Fund |
$200,000.00 |
$ 0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Proposition G (2024 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$ 0.00 |
$1,000,000.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Total |
$200,000.00 |
$1,000,000.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
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