The San Joaquin County Facade Enhancement Grant Program is a revitalization initiative managed by the Downtown Stockton Alliance and funded through San Joaquin County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation. This grant is intended to support exterior improvements to commercial and industrial properties in unincorporated areas of the county, particularly those located in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) and Difficult Development Areas (DDAs). The program targets properties impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the objective of restoring, enhancing, and beautifying building facades that face public streets, thereby contributing to broader economic recovery and visual appeal.
Eligible projects under this grant include structural restoration, window and door replacement, exterior finishes such as paint or siding, the installation of awnings, exterior lighting, signage, and outdoor enclosures for dining. All funded work must face the street and must not have begun prior to approval. Funding of up to $25,000 per project is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent on available funds. Projects must be completed by a contractor licensed by the State of California and holding a business license with San Joaquin County. Additionally, contractors must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity requirements and non-discrimination clauses in accordance with Executive Order 11246 and related legislation.
Eligibility is restricted to properties within the unincorporated boundaries of San Joaquin County and must be either commercially or industrially zoned. Properties must also be free of outstanding fees, liens, or judgments unless they pertain to façade-related code violations that the proposed project intends to resolve. Applicants may be the property owner or a tenant with written approval from the property owner. Importantly, all applications must pertain to new projects that have not yet commenced.
To determine location eligibility, applicants are directed to a HUD mapping tool that identifies whether the property falls within QCTs or DDAs. The application is submitted through an online portal hosted by the National Development Council, and while the program does not detail specific evaluation criteria, the first-come, first-served nature of the award process underscores the importance of early and complete submission. There is no stated pre-application process such as letters of intent or concept papers.
Program inquiries can be directed to Courtney Wood, Economic Development Director at the Downtown Stockton Alliance, for assistance with the application process. Construction-related questions should be addressed to Michael Huber, Executive Director. There is no specified deadline, suggesting a rolling basis for review and funding decisions while funds last. As of now, no indication of recurring cycles has been stated, and applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to ensure consideration.
Apply early due to first-come, first-served nature.
