Grants & Incentives
LDDA Redevelopment Guide
The LDDA's Downtown Redevelopment Guide covers all you need to know about incentive opportunities from the LDDA and other entities. These include LDDA Grant Incentives, Historic Tax Credits, Sustainability Incentives and information on the Enterprise and Opportunity Zones in the District.
LDDA Grant Incentives
Incentive Program Summary (English & Spanish)
LDDA Programs
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). This grant is a reimbursement with funds dispersed after the project has been completed and inspected. Any project costs that will be reimbursed as part of the grant must have staff approval before work begins.
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 to exceed 25% of eligible costs with a cap of $50,000.
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 a reimbursement with funds dispersed after the approved signs have been installed and inspected. Work may not begin until grant has been approved or applicant has received staff acceptance.
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.
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 the Longmont Economic Development Partnership (LEDP) combined for qualifying improvements to qualified applicants. Grants are subject to LDDA and LEDP 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, inspected, and retail sales tax collection has begun.
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.