News and Image Source: Town of Florence
Florence, AZ – The Town of Florence is pleased to announce the continuation of its Façade Grant Program, which provides funding assistance to businesses and property owners working to improve building exteriors within the Florence Redevelopment Area.
The program, originally launched in 2017 and updated in 2019 and 2021, is made possible through Arizona Revised Statute §36-1472, which allows municipalities to invest public funds in eliminating slum and blight within designated redevelopment areas. Over the years, Façade Grant funding has supported visible improvements to many downtown businesses, including True Value/Ace Hardware, The Irish Cowboy, Birds and Bones, and others. These upgrades have significantly enhanced the aesthetic quality and character of Downtown Florence.
For Fiscal Year 2025–26, the Town has allocated $21,000 to continue the program. Grants are offered as a 50/50 cost match, up to a maximum of $7,000 per project.
The updated Façade Grant Program includes three key modifications designed to make the process more efficient and user-friendly:
- Streamlined administration: The program will now be fully managed in-house by Town staff, led by Management Analyst and Grants Coordinator, Mat Hoogendoorn.
- Clearer grant award process: The program will shift from issuing a “Notice to Proceed” to an “Award of Grant” to avoid confusion with building permit requirements.
“Downtown revitalization is a key priority for Florence, and this program continues to provide a valuable partnership between the Town and our local business community,” said Hoogendoorn. “These investments not only improve the appearance of individual properties but also strengthen the overall image of our historic downtown.”
Business and property owners interested in applying for a Façade Grant are encouraged to contact Mr. Hoogendoorn for more information at [email protected] or 520-868-7549.
