I. What is the Commercial Matching Grant Program?
The Commercial Matching Grant Program helps business owners fund landscaping projects by providing a dollar for dollar match from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000. The program gives business owners an incentive to complete a landscaping project that makes McAllen a more beautiful city.
Proposed projects must:
- improve/beautify a business by making landscaping improvements with an irrigation system
- have long-standing benefits
- be located visible from a public street and
- have the necessary permits before starting the improvement
II. Who can participate in the program?
Business or property owner of a commercial property that was not required by city code to provide landscaping at the time of development or of which the owner wishes to exceed the required landscaping in effect at the time of development prior to 2007.
III. How does the match work?
The Commercial Matching Grant Program operates under a reimbursement system. The grant money represents a partnership between the City and a business owner which must raise funds before any City reimbursements will be disbursed. The City will reimburse the business owner 50% (from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000) of the total project expenditures. Funding under this program will be available to a business owner on a first-come first-serve basis until funds are exhausted in the fiscal year.
The landscaping improvements must be properly maintained for a minimum period of ten years. Failure to do so will result in legal action from the city to recoup its investment.
IV. What type of projects can be funded and what are the basic requirements?
The program helps pay for irrigation and landscaping improvements on private property or public right-of-way that provide tangible benefits to the community. Projects already completed or underway are not eligible for grant funding. Landscaping projects must have an operable irrigation system to be eligible for funding. Replacement of required landscaping material that has died or been removed is not eligible for matching grants.
V. How to Apply
The attached application must be filled-out with information about the business and a project description. A landscaping plan must be submitted with the application.
VI. When may projects be started and what is the project completion date?
In order to take advantage of this program, a project may be started only after the application has been approved by the City Manager or his/her designee. A completed application with a minimum of three quotes from companies or contractors will be required for its approval. The project must be completed within one (1) year from date of approval signature. A time extension may be obtained if a request is submitted in writing at least one month prior to the completion deadline with an explanation of why more time is needed. Failure to complete the project or failure to obtain a time extension within one year of first approval would result in the loss of the matching grant and would be ineligible to apply again for one year.
VII. How are funds Disbursed to grantees?
The organization’s grant application must be approved by the City Manager or his/her designee. A letter of application approval serves as a notice to the business owner to proceed with the project. Once the project is completed, the City will conduct an inspection to verify the work is complete as per the approved landscaping plan. Once verification takes place the matching grant reimbursement to the business owner will be processed. Reimbursements in full amount of the approved matching funds will be made within 30 calendar days of inspection and final approval. No reimbursements for eligible expenses will be made if such expenses occur before an application is approved by the City Manager or his/her designee.
VIII. Who do we contact for more information?
Please call the Planning Department at 681-1250.