PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: December 10, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 7
DEPARTMENT: Office of Economic Development
PRIORITY: Targeted Economic Growth
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the establishment of a City Council District 7 (District 7) Exterior Improvement Grant Program for Commercial Properties in accordance with the Program Statement (Exhibit A) for grants of up to $50,000.00 to eligible small businesses in Dallas to support building facade improvements and other exterior capital improvements to commercial properties in City Council District 7; and (2) the allocation of $796,875.00 in funds from ECO (I) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund) for the District 7 Exterior Improvement Grant Program for Commercial Properties - Not to exceed $796,875.00 - Financing: ECO (I) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund)
*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 Councilmember Adam Bazaldua (District 7) has identified $796,875.00 in discretionary funds from 2017 Proposition I (ECO) Bond Funds to be used to support the creation and implementation of an Exterior Improvement Grant Program for Commercial Properties. The intent of the program is to provide City grant funding for permanent capital improvements to commercial properties that enhance economic vitality, increase taxable property values, and stimulate private investment within District 7 to support small business development.
Projects may include building façade improvements, hardscape site improvements, streetscape 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 acquiring, 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 will be provided on a reimbursement basis, and the percentage of City participation will depend on the project size as follows:
• Projects under $25,000.00: 20% investment from the property owner and 80% from the City
• Projects between $25,001 and $50,000.00: 30% investment from the property owner and 70% from the City
• Projects between $50,001.00 and $100,000.00: 50% investment from the property owner and 50% from the City. Total project cost is not to exceed $100,000.00.
All projects must comply with the Program Statement (attached as Exhibit A), be submitted by or with the consent of the property owner, and be located in District 7, including adjacent streets where both sides of a street are not located within City Council District 7. 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 December 15, 2025. 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)
The Economic Development Committee was briefed regarding this matter on December 1, 2025. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14976498&GUID=249AD0CE-8115-4F63-AFFE-1F2D25F60A98>
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
ECO (I) Fund (2017 General Obligation Bond Fund) |
$796,875.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
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