Prescott City Administrator Matt Wolf provided the Prescott Plan Commission with an update on the approved Façade Improvement Program at the Sept. 2 regular meeting.

The Façade Improvement Program is an economic and development tool to enhance the visual appeal and vitality of a commercial district.

“This program is designed to assist property or business owners to enhance visual appeal, increase vitality of a district, bring greater consumer awareness to an area, and overall bolster crib appeal,” Wolf said.

TID #4 is funding the program, so only the C-1 Commercial District is eligible. The city allocated $300,000, which will be divided across six years for $50,000 each year.

“Basically, anything that’s exterior that is on the building is eligible,” stated Wolf. “Whereas ineligible is anything like temp signs, fencing, anything interior to the building is not eligible, routine maintenance, security systems, things like that.”

Applicants are limited to up to $50,000 per grant cycle and must provide a 50% match for the work. Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, project description and goals, budget breakdown, before photos of the project site, and design renderings or plans.

“For 2025 the grant cycle will be from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 but beginning for 2026, the grant cycle will be from Jan. 1 until Feb. 28,” Wolf said. “Ultimately in 2025 to 2026, we’ll have back-to-back grant cycles that we’d be reviewing.”

Projects are scored on a 40-point scale with 15 points for impacts on the vitality of downtown Prescott, 15 points for impacts to the aesthetic character of downtown Prescott, five points for economic impact, and five points for readiness.

“Basically, you can demonstrate that you have the funds that you are required to match there and readily available,” Wolf said.

After the application process closes, the applications will be sent to the plan commission for review, where they will review and score the applications.

“On Dec. 1 the plan commission would review the final scores and make their recommendations to council for approval,” commented Wolf.

All project awardees will be on a reimbursement basis once the project is complete, but the projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the agreement and all paid invoices for reimbursement must be submitted. Wolf added, “We are requiring an annual report be given for the first two years following the finalization of the project to just talk about what successes, challenges, and overall feedback from the project and the program altogether.”

Commissioner Mike Gerke asked if the downtown businesses would receive a type of notification that this is available. Wolf in June business owners were sent a brochure along with information about the program.

“It’s free money for them,” said Commissioner Dave Hovel.

Commissioner Kate Otto asked if any business owners have expressed interest yet. Wolf confirmed that six have.

“I like it. I think it’s an awesome idea,” said Hovel.

“Oh, that’s exciting,” expressed Otto.