Grants & Incentives
LDDA Incentive Program & Redevelopment
Downtown Longmont’s charm is built by the people who believe in it—and we’re here to back you up. Whether you’re sprucing up the visual appeal of your storefront, restoring a historic façade, turning a blank space into a bustling shop, or creating new housing in the heart of downtown, we’ve built a toolbox of funding programs to help you make it happen. Our grants support facade and storefront improvements, retail conversions, signage, residential projects, and creative improvements to historic buildings. Plus, our district includes valuable financial tools like Historic Tax Credits, Enterprise Zone benefits, and Opportunity Zone eligibility.
Explore the resources below, including our Incentive Program Information, Redevelopment Guide and Incentive Summaries (available in English and Spanish), and let’s build something great—together.
The LDDA offers a unified grant application so you can apply for any of the grants with one application (excluding the TIF grant). The unified application is accessible under the grants posted below.
Applications must be received and approved by the LDDA before any project work starts.
Downtown Incentive Program Information For FULL Details
LDDA Grant Incentives
The Façade Mini Grant is intended for small-scale exterior facade improvements and placemaking elements that enhance the visual appeal, vibrancy, and pedestrian experience of Downtown Longmont. This program is intended to encourage well-maintained, engaging storefronts that contribute to a welcoming and active Downtown environment. This grant is subject to LDDA approval prior to starting the project. If the project work is completed prior to grant approval, the grant application is forefeited and ineligible for funding. This grant is a reimbursement with funds disbursed after the project has been completed, paid, and inspected.
The maximum grant is 50% of the total eligible facade project costs, with a cap of $5,000.
The Facade Mini Grant and the Facade Grant can't be combined. Applicants can apply for one or the other, but not both.
Application (fillable PDF form)
The Façade Grant (DIP) is designed for renovation projects to the façade of a building within the boundaries of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). Any project costs that will be reimbursed as part of the grant must have staff approval before work begins. This grant is subject to LDDA approval prior to starting the project. If the project work is completed prior to grant approval, the grant application is forefeited and ineligible for funding. This grant is a reimbursement with funds disbursed after the project has been completed, paid, and inspected.
The maximum grant is 25% of the total façade cost with a cap of $10,000, contingent on the
scale of the project and available funds through the Development Incentive Program. If
applicant has been awarded a façade grant within the past two years, applicant may get less
of a reimbursement percentage. Applicants investing in projects that include restaurant, craft
beverage or entertainment uses may ask for an exemption to the cap provided grant request
does not exceed 25% of eligible costs with a cap of $50,000. If the project work is completed prior to grant approval, the grant application is forefeited
and ineligible for funding.
The Facade Grant and the Facade Mini Grant can't be combined. Applicants can apply for one or the other, but not both.
Application (fillable PDF form)
The Downtown Sign Grant is designed for permanent sign projects for downtown buildings and properties within the boundaries of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). This grant is subject to LDDA approval prior to starting the project. If the project work is completed prior to grant approval, the grant application is forefeited and ineligible for funding. This grant is a reimbursement with funds disbursed after the project has been completed, paid, and inspected.
The maximum grant is 25% of eligible sign costs with a cap of $3,500, contingent on available funds. Sign incentives can be phased per business until the $3,500 limit is reached.
Application (fillable PDF form)
The purpose of the Retail Conversion Grant Program is to reimburse retail storefront businesses for converting and upgrading previously non-retail properties in the Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) District to encourage additional retail development. Destination retail, craft, and culinary space businesses generating significant foot traffic that are consistent with the LDDA Master Plan of Development and the Advance Longmont Strategic Plan are required.
The program will provide a grant up to 25% of eligible project costs (not to exceed $22,500), from the LDDA and City of Longmont Economic Development combined for qualifying improvements to qualified applicants. This grant is subject to LDDA and City approval prior to project commencement. If the project work is completed prior to grant approval, the grant application is forefeited and ineligible for funding. This grant is a reimbursement with funds disbursed after the project has been completed, paid, and inspected.
Application (fillable PDF form)
The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Investment Program helps facilitate larger scale catalyst redevelopment projects in the downtown area through the use of tax increment investments. Applications are evaluated by the LDDA Board using an evaluation scoring system. Funding of eligible improvements will be based on a project’s score and available funds. Funding is available to property and business owners through this program for eligible building façade and public improvements. Interested applicants should email the LDDA Executive Director, Kimberlee McKee, for more information.
Other Grants & Incentives
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax owed to the government. Tax credit projects create jobs and provide financial incentives to revitalize historic buildings.
- View National Historic District Map as .pdf
- View list of contributing buildings
- See overview of tax credits brochure
- Historic Preservation Tax Extended
To apply for a tax credit or to find out more, visit the History Colorado website.
An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. It is designed to spur economic development by providing tax benefits to investors. The entire LDDA is in an Opportunity Zone.
For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones-frequently-asked-questions.
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) is a state funded program that was created to promote a business friendly environment in economically distressed areas by offering state income tax credits that incentivize businesses to locate and develop in - and non-profit organizations to assist with the needs of - these communities. Longmont and specific areas of the Downtown District are included in the North Metro Enterprise Zone. View the Enterprise Zone map (the LDDA is in the North Metro zone). View Enterprise Zone Income Tax Credit Guide.
For more information please visit Choose Colorado or contact Longmont Economic Development Partnership at 303-651-0128 or email krista@longmont.org.
Additional Resources
Launched in 2019, Longmont's Sustainable Business Program supports and recognizes businesses in the community making substantial efforts to reduce their environmental impact, act socially responsible, and contribute to the economic vitality of Longmont.
PACE provides free expert advisor services, financial incentives and a certification program to help businesses measure and gain recognition for their energy, waste, water, and transportation achievements.
LEDP works constantly to promote a strong business environment in Longmont and to encourage economic development through business attraction, retention, expansion, and creation.
SBDC provides resources to help make your business successful, whether you are established, ready to grow, or just starting up. From workshops to one-on-one consulting, SBDC helps clients through their small business needs.