The City of Bellevue and the Jackson County Economic Alliance developed a unique, multi-pronged incentive package to encourage redevelopment of the downtown area in Bellevue. The Downtown Incentive Programs offer businesses in the designated area financial incentives to make improvements to their properties that will increase market value and provide housing opportunities through upper story development. Work may not begin prior to approval by the Design Committee and City Council.

ACQUISITION ASSISTANCE
This is a grant program sponsored by the City of Bellevue to assist business owners in acquiring commercial space in the community’s downtown urban renewal district. Applicants must also show substantial improvements to the property or also apply for another incentive program to further enhance each building. The applicant can be reimbursed for 50% of eligible costs up to $5,000.

BLADE SIGNAGE
This program is designed to assist businesses replace signs in the downtown urban renewal district. The applicant pays one-half of the costs associated with approved sign replacements. Maximum grant funding allowed is $1,000.

COMMERICAL INTERIOR GRANT
This is a grant program to assist owners or renters to expand and/or remodel commercial space in the community’s downtown urban renewal district. The applicant pays two-thirds of the costs and the City pays one-third of costs associated with approved interior renovation. Maximum grant funding allowed is $5 per square foot or $7,500 whichever is less. Any proposed in-kind labor must be identified upfront.

CONSULTANT ASSISTANCE
Commercial properties located in the downtown or commercial business district are eligible for design assistance. Design services provided must meet Design Guidelines. Maximum funding is 50% of the total cost, not to exceed $5,000.

FACADE GRANT
The purpose of the Bellevue Façade Grant Program is to provide financial assistance to downtown business and property owners for the restoration or rehabilitation of facades on commercial buildings. The resulting restoration and rehabilitation work will enhance the economic viability of Bellevue’s downtown urban renewal district and help maintain the architectural integrity of the community.

UPPER STORY RENOVATION
This is a program to assist owners to renovate space on the upper story in the downtown urban renewal district. The grant requires a dollar for dollar match for up to $7,500 of grant funding per residential unit created or renovated. Residential units for short-term stays are not eligible. Any proposed in-kind labor must be identified upfront.

CONVERSON OF 1ST FLOOR RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL
This program is designed to assist in converting first floor residential space to commercial space. The grant requires a dollar for dollar match. Up to $7,500 of grant funding per building.

LOW INTEREST BANK LOAN
This program is available in any downtown district in Jackson County. The maximum loan will be $250,000 per project with a minimum loan amount of $5,000. The interest rate shall be fixed at one half a percentage point below prime on the date of closing for the term of the loan. Projects eligible for this program include facade and/or interior renovation, upper story renovation, additions, new construction, leasehold improvements, refinancing and/or acquisition of commercial property.
For more detailed information, contact JCEA [email protected] 563-652-4549

TIME FRAME FOR COMPLETION &/OR REAPPLICATION
Work must commence within 180 days of approval from the City Council and be completed within 365 days. Extensions may be granted.

DISCLAIMER
The policies, procedures and incentives described above may be revised by the City at any time without prior notice. The City retains the exclusive right to change, add to, eliminate, or modify the requirements and the incentives at any time at its discretion, with or without notice. All projects, funded by incentives, must comply with the City’s Fire District Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and Flood Plain requirements. In addition, all labor funded by incentives must be done by a licensed contractor and meet City Code requirements.