The best way to continue Downtown El Paso’s revitalization is through ongoing investment by property and business owners. To help facilitate that investment, the Downtown Management District has established a variety of grant programs that will match private investment dollars for certain improvements. Below are summaries of the four programs offered by the Downtown Management District along with the associated guidelines and applications. Funding for grants is limited, and applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested applicants are also encouraged to call Terry Mais at 915-400-2295 with any questions, and to discuss the programs and their requirements.
The DMD encourages all who are interested in investing in Downtown El Paso to also contact the City of El Paso Economic Development Department and the El Paso County Economic Development Department to determine what other incentives may be applicable to your project. To connect with the City of El Paso, visit their website to research options on your own, or contact the department at 915-212-0094. To connect with El Paso County Economic Development, visit their website or call 915-546-2177.
For more information on the El Paso County PACE program – Click Here!
Downtown Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program
The Downtown Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program is a joint program supported by the Downtown Management District (DMD) and the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 5 (TIRZ) to provide funding to existing businesses and/or property owners to make improvements to the exterior of buildings located within the boundaries of the DMD and/or the TIRZ. The program can provide matching grant funds on a reimbursement basis for approved eligible exterior renovation improvements that are attached to or part of a physical building structure to include restoration, preservation, and/or rehabilitation of commercial property within the eligible areas of Downtown El Paso.
The maximum grant available is $25,000 ($30,000 for properties located within the DMD boundaries), each grant dollar must be matched by a private investment dollar (1:1 ratio). For legal parcels located in the identified Critical Corridors, Historic Properties, and Small Businesses, the grant recipient is eligible for two grant dollars for every private investment dollar (2:1 ratio).
Downtown Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines 10262023
DMD Commercial Facade Improvement Grant Program Application fillable 11152023
Downtown Signature Signage & Lighting Grant Program
The Downtown Signature Signage & Lighting Grant Program provides funding to existing businesses and/or property owners within the DMD/TIRZ boundaries for the establishment and/or restoration of iconic signage and/or lighting installations. The program can provide matching grant funds on a reimbursement basis for approved eligible exterior signature signage and lighting associated with buildings within the DMD. Proposed projects will be evaluated based on innovation and creativity. The “signature” nature of a proposed project will be determined by the grant review committee. Standard improvements to signage and lighting will not be considered under this program, but may be eligible improvements under the Downtown Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program (see above).
The maximum grant available is $25,000. This grant, when awarded, can provide one grant dollar for every eligible matching dollar invested (1:1 ratio).
Downtown Signature Signage & Lighting Grant Program Guidelines 10262023
DMD Signature Signage & Lighting Grant Program Application fillable 06072023
Downtown Pedestrian Corridor Improvement Grant Program
The Downtown Pedestrian Corridor Improvement Grant Program provides funding to existing businesses and/or property owners within the DMD boundaries for improvements to the exterior spaces adjacent to or within the public right-of-way. The program can provide matching grant funds on a reimbursement basis for approved eligible improvements such as, but not limited to, landscaping, outdoor seating, or parklets. Improvements to existing buildings will not be considered under this program, but may be eligible improvements under the Downtown Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program (see above).
The maximum grant available is $10,000 and each grant dollar must be matched by a private investment dollar (1:1 ratio).
Downtown Pedestrian Corridor Improvement Grant Program Guidelines 10262023
DMD Pedestrian Corridor Improvement Grant Program Application fillable 10262023
Downtown Mural Grant Program
The Downtown Mural Grant Program provides funding to existing business and/or property owners to establish or restore murals within the DMD boundaries. All proposed mural projects will be reviewed by a panel of local art professionals to determine the quality, suitability, and appropriateness of the proposed mural, and make a recommendation to the Grant Review Committee. Standard paint and/or artistic design element improvements will not be considered under this program, but may be eligible improvements under the Downtown Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program (see above).
The maximum grant available is $10,000 and each grant dollar must be matched by a private investment dollar (1:1 ratio).