Economic Development & Community Vibrancy Grants

Established in 2017, the EDI program allows the City to offer public support for projects that foster and enhance local economic development. Awards are handled on a case-by-case basis, subject to available funding and City Council approval through two ordinance readings and an advertised public hearing.

Eligible projects must be located within (or relocating into) the City, and be for one of: retail; tourism; cultural arts; district offices or corporate headquarters; research and development; high-technology growth business; or residential projects of three or more units.

Incentive agreements may include:

• Up to 100% of applicable water/sewer tap fees
• A declining business license tax rebate: 100% in Year 1, 75% in Year 2, 50% in Year 3, 25% in Year 4, then full tax resumes
• Up to 50% of local hospitality taxes (HTAX) for up to 5 years, restricted to tourism-related uses approved by Council
• Up to 50% of local accommodations taxes (ATAX) for up to 5 years, restricted to tourism-related uses approved by Council
• Up to 100% of solid waste fees for up to 5 years
• Up to 100% of infrastructure costs for commercial development projects, for up to 5 years
• Up to 100% of infrastructure costs for residential development projects, for up to 5 years

The City may combine incentives, provided the total value given is proportionate to the benefit the project brings to the City and its citizens.

Contact grants@cityofwalhalla.com to discuss an incentive request. There is no standard application; each agreement is negotiated individually.

Administered by the Downtown Development Corporation (DDC), Uniquely Walhalla awards up to four 50% matching grants per cycle, each up to $15,000, to business owners, developers, commercial property owners, or start-ups committed to a project that increases local economic development and community vitality. Minimum total project size is $20,000 (a $10,000 match); projects are funded once.

Eligibility & project rules:

• Project must be located in and performed within Walhalla city limits
• Must clearly demonstrate economic and community benefit, with measurable goals
• Eligible activities include building renovation, infrastructure, redevelopment/in-fill, and new housing
• Must be implemented within 12 months of funding (extendable to 18 months at DDC discretion)
• Commercial projects must be operating within 24 months of funding, or the DDC may require reimbursement
• Residential projects should offer diverse/mixed-income housing types
• Mixed-use projects must be located within the Downtown Business District Overlay

The DDC runs a competitive selection each cycle, choosing at least two commercial and one residential recipient, scored on economic impact, community need, feasibility, sustainability, funding match, timeline, and community impact.

To apply, submit the completed application with a project budget, a brief bio of the project lead, a project timeline, and any supporting documentation, in person at 206 N Church Street or by email. Finalists may be asked to present to the DDC. Grant funds are not released until the applicant has met with the Community Development Team and obtained an approved zoning permit; funds may not be used toward required permits or licenses.

A reimbursement grant of up to 50% of project cost, capped at $3,000 per property in any 12-month period, for exterior improvements that create a more inviting downtown. Eligibility is limited to buildings within the Downtown Business District Overlay. Work must begin within 45 days of grant approval and be completed within 6 months.

Eligible improvements include:

• Removal of false façades
• Brick cleaning (chemical stripping, water wash, or scraping)
• Exterior painting or surface treatment
• Window and door repair or replacement
• Awning installation or repair
• Historical reconstruction and replacement of original architectural details
• Storefront enhancements
• Exterior wall lighting and decorative post lighting

Awarded by the DDC and funded through the Walhalla Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC). Grant applicants are fully responsible for all aspects of their project, including relationships with contractors and suppliers, and must secure all required City permit approvals before work begins. Side elevations and rear façades are treated as seriously as main façades; developing rear or side entrances with appropriate design is encouraged.

Example: if total project cost is $7,000, the applicant pays $4,000 and the WDDC reimburses the remaining $3,000 (the program cap). Applications remain open as long as program funds are available.

Helps Downtown Business District businesses and property owners refresh commercial signage. Participants can receive a grant for 50% of the total project cost, up to $800 (based on a total project cost of $1,600). Awarded by the DDC.