Label
ARPA White Box Grant Program
Department of Economic Development
Sandy Spang (x1641) / Brandon Sehlhorst (x1692)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor and Department of Economic Development to implement a White Box Grant ("WBG") Program; approving and authorizing the execution of agreements and other documents required in the execution of the WBG program; authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $500,000 from the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for the White Box Grant Program; and declaring and emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The city is the recipient of $180.9 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to be used to address the public health and negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Toledo Recovery Plan framework (authorized by Ordinance 530-21), which outlines the city's projects that will be funded through ARPA, includes $500,000 for the "White Boxing" Vacant Building program. The "White Boxing" Buildings Program is one part of the city's overall Vibrancy Initiative.
The Vibrancy Initiative is designed to enhance the city's vitality by supporting revitalization efforts that will create jobs, reduce blight, and preserve and improve structures in low-and-moderate income census tracts. The Vibrancy Initiative is a comprehensive approach to revitalization that addresses building exteriors through the Fa?ade Improvement Grant and vacant first floor commercial interiors through the White Box Grant ("WBG").
The WBG program helps property owners bring vacant commercial first-floor spaces, located in low- to moderate-income census tracts, up to current code to create a functional "white box" space ready for customization and occupancy by a business. The program provides a matching grant of $25,000 to $75,000 for first-floor, interior renovation expenses. Building owners are required to provide a 30% match and must either occupy the space as a business owner or actively market the space for lease.
This ordina...
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