Property owners in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon (23,000), can apply for building renovation loans from the city for half the cost of their project (up to $25,000). These loans have been used for façade renovations and other projects to restore older buildings. To ensure that the renovations are well planned, the city also provides grants of up to $3,000 for design, engineering, or architectural services. Property owners can apply for a loan, a grant, or both. The city’s revolving loan fund was originally capitalized through community development block grant funds and has not needed to be recapitalized since. Banks that issue loans for the remainder of the renovation costs help promote the program, which has supported six projects since 1999 with five loans and three grants. Loans from this program can be used in conjunction with a program providing tax abatements for the construction of residential units above commercial properties. Charlie Mitchell Economic Development Specialist City of Grants Pass 101 NW “A” Street Grants Pass, OR 97526 541/474-6360 Fax: 541/479-0812 E-mail: Charlie@visitgrantspass.org Web site: www.visitgrantspass.org/econdev/loanprogram.htm