Special Project Grants

The 2024 Beautification Matching Grant Program, offered by the City of Valdez Beautification Commission, provides a financial incentive to local businesses and commercial property owners. This program aims to improve the business environment for investors and enhance the overall appearance of Valdez for both residents and visitors. Now in its ninth year, the program has expanded its reach to include eligible properties outside the core downtown district, demonstrating a commitment to widespread community improvement. The primary goal of the matching grant program is to enhance the overall aesthetics of Valdez. This is achieved by improving the quality of building and structure façades, which in turn is expected to attract more local residents and visitors to shop, eat, and conduct business in the city. The program also encourages businesses to invest in additional aesthetic and design improvements, such as landscaping and art, fostering a more vibrant and appealing urban landscape. A key focus of the program is to encourage and incentivize property and business owners to reinvest in their community. This includes strengthening the local economy by promoting the utilization of local vendors, contractors, and materials for improvement projects. The grant offers a rebate to cover up to 50 percent of improvement costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $12,500 per building. For larger projects, such as those involving corner buildings or spanning multiple lots, a maximum reimbursement of $25,000 may be requested. Eligible properties are located in specific zoning districts: Central Business District, General Commercial, Waterfront Industrial, and Light Industrial. To qualify, properties must be used primarily for business purposes, be current on property taxes, and have no open code violations. The expected outcomes include a noticeable upgrade in the appearance of commercial areas, increased local economic activity due to enhanced business settings, and a stronger sense of community investment and pride, all contributing to Valdez's overall appeal and economic vitality.