La Grande Urban Renewal Agency Grant Program

The La Grande Urban Renewal Agency (URA) is currently accepting applications for the 2026 "Call for Projects" grant cycle, which forms part of its Revitalization Incentive Program. This grant program supports revitalization efforts within the Urban Renewal District of La Grande, Oregon. It aims to stimulate economic development, restore and improve building exteriors—especially within the Central Business Zone (CBZ)—and encourage investments that drive foot traffic, increase commercial activity, and support long-term community development goals. Applications are accepted from March 9, 2026 through May 15, 2026. Submissions must be made using the official URA online application form; handwritten applications are not accepted. Applicants must submit a comprehensive package including cost estimates, floor plans, photos, and business plans where applicable. Projects should be ready to begin within six months of award and completed within 24 months unless otherwise extended by the District Manager. Reimbursement-based funding is anticipated to be available after July 1, 2026. Eligible projects must be located within the defined Urban Renewal District boundaries. Grant awards can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $75,000. Total project costs must be at least $20,000. New construction projects in the La Grande Business and Technology Park are evaluated under a separate program and may be eligible for up to $425,000 through a different funding stream. Payment occurs only after project milestones are reached and verified through inspections and documentation. The types of projects supported include façade renovations, accessibility improvements, new construction, structural code compliance, roof repairs, and streetscape upgrades. Interior improvements are only eligible if linked to approved structural or exterior upgrades. Residential development is eligible only on upper floors of buildings with active ground-floor commercial or retail uses. Purely residential or standalone housing projects are ineligible. Applications will be reviewed and scored by staff using a detailed rubric that evaluates location within the CBZ, extent of blight remediation, private investment leverage, and potential return on investment. Projects that create upper-floor residential units in the CBZ also receive preference points. The final scoring includes discretionary points awarded by members of the Urban Renewal Advisory Commission and the Agency at a public meeting tentatively scheduled for June 29, 2026. Funding is subject to budget approval. Applicants must enter into a formal agreement with the URA. Projects that commence before funding is awarded do so at the applicant's risk and must submit a signed Early Start Form. Questions may be directed to Timothy Bishop, Economic Development Director, via email at [email protected] or phone at 541-962-1307.

Prepare all documents before starting the online form. Submit by May 1 for informal feedback.