Eighth Avenue and Waldo Road Incentive Program

About the Program

The program provides financial incentives that enable property owners, small businesses, developers and mission-aligned organizations to activate the economic potential of vacant property, reoccupy vacant buildings, enhance existing buildings, bring new jobs, services and amenities to the corridors, and improve their aesthetics. 

Through a mix of capital improvement grants and performance-based incentives, the program prioritizes outcomes such as job creation, business relocation or expansion, adaptive reuse, and high-impact renovations, while emphasizing sustainability and neighborhood compatibility.

Program Area

Eligible parcels are located on the Eighth Avenue and Waldo Road corridor. Refer to the map below to determine if your parcel is located within the program boundary. Type the address of your property in the search box and see if it is within the program boundary.

Business & Community Facility Renovation Grant

The Business & Community Facility Renovation Incentive is designed to help business and property owners modernize and improve existing commercial and institutional buildings along the Eighth Avenue and Waldo Road corridors. Many of these structures face challenges such as outdated systems, poor accessibility, or visible deterioration that limit their functionality and appeal. The program targets underutilized or deteriorating properties that, once improved, can help catalyze economic revitalization, support job creation and retain or attract business activity.

Funding Structure

Grant amounts are based on the square footage of the structure:

• Buildings ≤ 5,000 sq. ft.: Up to $50,000
• Buildings > 5,000 sq. ft.: Up to $100,000

Applicants are required to have a 1:1 private match (i.e., to receive a grant award of $50,000, the applicant must provide a matching contribution of $50,000).

Eligible Uses Include:

• Major interior renovation and buildout for business-ready space
• Electrical, HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression upgrades
• Structural stabilization, roof replacement and foundation repair
• ADA improvements (e.g., bathrooms, ramps, elevators)
• Fire suppression or code compliance upgrades
• Façade improvements when integrated with the interior scope
• Demising walls or partitions for tenant-ready space
• Located on the identified interested parcels

Ineligible Uses Include:

• Maintenance or cosmetic-only projects
• Projects without clear commercial use or public access
• Work performed before grant approval
• Residential-only properties (more than 50% residential by square footage)
• Exterior work (covered under the Site Improvement Grant)
• Equipment, furniture, or inventory purchases
• Government-owned properties or political institutions (unless secular and public-serving)
• Work by unlicensed contractors

Site Improvement Grant

The Site Improvement Grant is a use and location-specific grant dedicated to enhancing the exterior conditions of some properties along the project area. This grant is intended for a defined set of uses, such as fencing, lighting, landscaping, and accessibility upgrades, that visibly improve the site’s public interface and contribute to a safer, more attractive streetscape.

Funding Structure

Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000

Applicants are required a 1:1 private match (i.e., to get a grant award of $20,000 the applicant would need to match with $20,000).

Eligible Uses Include:

• Fencing and decorative screening (front or side yards only)
• Exterior lighting visible from the public right-of-way
• ADA accessibility upgrades (ramps, parking, striping)
• Landscaping, hardscaping, and tree removal (may not exceed 25% of the total eligible project costs).
• Wayfinding or monument signage
• Drainage, paving, and stormwater-related site improvements
• Parking lot improvement: provide lighting, tree islands, curb stops, fencing, or other beautification initiatives related to the parking lots.

Ineligible Uses Included:

• Routine maintenance (e.g., mowing, weeding)
• Temporary features (e.g., string lights, movable furniture)
• Improvements to the rear of the property not visible to the public
• Interior or structural building improvements
• Signage unrelated to business identification or corridor branding
• Work started or completed before grant approval

Vacant Property Development Incentive

The Vacant Property Development Incentive is designed to stimulate new construction and long-term private investment on underutilized or vacant parcels within the Program area. With nearly 40 parcels available, the Program presents a unique opportunity to reshape the built environment, attract job-generating uses, and activate critical nodes. 

Funding Structure

Applicants will need to submit a detailed development pro forma and demonstrate:

This incentive aims to mitigate development risk by providing financial support for projects that demonstrate strong market feasibility, community value, and alignment with GCRA’s strategic objectives. Priority will be given to ready-to-start projects that include commercial or mixed-use development, affordable commercial space, or key public-serving functions. The City reserves the right to hire a third-party consultant to analyze the application submission, evaluate impacts, and review any proposed deal structure. 

Applicants must demonstrate private investment that meets or exceeds a 1:1 factor relative to the public incentive award; for example, $80,000 in private funds for an $80,000 award.

Eligible Uses Include:

Residential Façade Improvement Grant

The Residential Façade Improvement Grant is intended to support homeowners and small-scale landlords in making exterior improvements that enhance the curb appeal, safety, and visual consistency of the NE 8th Avenue corridor. These investments aim to reinforce neighborhood identity, increase pride in place, and encourage broader reinvestment by improving the visual experience along key travel and pedestrian routes.

Funding Structure

Grants will be awarded based on the size of the residential structure:

• Homes up to 1,000 sq. ft.: up to $7,500
• Homes 1,001 to 1,500 sq. ft.: up to $10,000
• Homes over 1,500 sq. ft.: up to $12,000

What's next?

In the coming months, the GCRA will host a series of community engagement sessions to share detailed information about the program, eligibility criteria, and funding opportunities. These events will also serve as hands-on opportunities to help residents, business owners, and property owners understand the application process and begin preparing strong project proposals.

Participants are encouraged to begin developing their scope of work and gather at least three quotes from licensed contractors for any proposed improvements.

Detailed information about application opening dates, submission requirements, and how to apply guidance will be published soon on this webpage and shared at upcoming community meetings.

For now, you can check the list of documents you will need for each one of the programs: