Core Area Revitalization Effort Program
A matching grant program to create a more vibrant Core Area.
Application Information
The Core Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) program provides matching grants up to $50,000 to projects that improve the customer and pedestrian experience and enhance overall area aesthetic through upgrades to building facades and frontage areas.
Application Period
- Rolling Process
- Total 2026 Funding = $100,000
Eligibility
To be considered for funding:
- Property must be located within the Core Area Tax Increment Finance Area.
- Proposed improvements must comply with all applicable City of Bend standards and be a permitted use in applicable zoning designation.
- Improvements will stay in the district/building and will last 10 years or more.
- Improvements will contribute to the taxable assessed value (tax exempt properties are not eligible).
- Applicant may be property owner, lessee, developer, or other entity with property interest in the location subject to the application, or otherwise has authorization from the property owner(s) to apply.
Eligible Activities
Eligible activities are capital upgrades or improvements to existing building façades and customer-facing exterior frontage of any commercial properties to improve, expand, or attract new customer or pedestrian traffic within the Core Area, including:
- Building façade or exterior upgrades (doors, windows, lighting signage, siding, awnings, paint, murals).
- Frontage improvements (sidewalks, landscaping, signage, accessibility upgrades).
- Design services for the proposed project (up to 25% of award).
- Proposed project or improvements must face a public right-of-way or publicly accessible location, and/or be visible from public streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way.
- Note that certain improvements may require initial completion of ADA improvements; applicants should investigate requirements with the City of Bend Community and Economic Development Department, and may include such improvements in an application.
Award Amounts and Matching
The Program will award matching grants to approved projects up to $50,000 per project, not to exceed 50% of project costs, with a minimum applicant contribution of 100% of grant amount.