TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Elizabeth Burrows, Economic Development Manager
THROUGH: Jeff Costello, CRA Executive Director
DATE: July 16, 2018
Title
CRA WORKSHOP ITEM - Curb appeal PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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Background:
In 2007, the CRA created the Curb Appeal Residential Improvement Program, to help facilitate exterior improvements to homes in The Set (CRA Sub-Areas 3, 4 and 8). The program currently offers grants of up to $15,000, funding limited exterior improvements including painting and pressure cleaning, landscaping and irrigation, driveway repair or replacement, mailboxes, roof repair or replacement, and house numbers.
The CRA has an interlocal agreement with the City, which administers the program through the Neighborhood Services Division of the Community Improvement Department. City staff is responsible for recruiting applicants, verifying eligibility, determining project scope and design, and obtaining construction bids for each project. CRA staff facilitates final approval from the CRA board, after which construction may begin. City staff manages project contracts, ensuring that all work is sufficiently completed, and then monitors improvements throughout the one-year warranty period.
Grants are available at two funding levels-100% for owner-occupied single-family homes with a household income at or below 100% of the area median income; and 50% matching grants for duplexes, non-owner-occupied single-family homes, and owner-occupied homes with a household income exceeding 100% of the area median income. Property owners are responsible for providing matching funds for grants approved at a 50% funding level.
Participation in the program has fluctuated over the years, with as many as eight (8) approved projects in a single fiscal year, and as few as none. At the recommendation of City staff, the CRA Board voted to modify the program in 2016 in response to community feedback. The maximum funding amount was ...
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