The updated incentive programs would streamline the application process and remove the location restrictions with the goal of bringing investment into key city corridors, City Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu said at a June 16 special City Council meeting.
Zooming in
The proposed updates would combine the city’s existing restaurant, patio and facade improvement programs, she said.
To qualify, businesses must be for-profit, located on taxable property in city limits, follow city design standards, and not have any open code violations or delinquent taxes, Iyamu said. Additionally, the sites or owner must not have had city incentives within the past five years.
Diving in deeper
The updated programs would also add a matrix for scoring potential programs, Iyamu said. Participants must score at least 60 points for further consideration.
Zooming out
Assistant City Manager Jason Mangum said multiple other cities in the Greater Houston area have continued to invest in redevelopment and area improvements with grant programs including Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Pearland and Richmond.
"This is something our neighbors are doing as we are looking to increase the economic development and the quality of development in Fort Bend County," he said.
Going forward
The item is set to return to City Council at its July 21 meeting for discussion.
