The Façade Assistance and Community Enhancement Grant Program (FACE) is a reimbursement grant for eligible exterior improvements to commercial buildings located within the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Area. This grant is a matching grant limited to 50% of eligible costs, not to exceed a maximum $10,000 award.

Download the FACE Application Package

The Commercial Property Improvement Program (CPIP) offers assistance for eligible property improvements including construction, renovation, expansion and installation of permanent improvements to commercial buildings. Improvements may be exterior, interior or a combination of interior/exterior. Not to exceed a maximum $200,000 per parcel.

Download the CPIP Application Package

The CRA may be able to provide assistance for new construction projects within a CRA redevelopment district. Projects may include multi-family housing, mixed use or commercial uses.

At this time, the CRA does not have funding available for student housing projects.
Projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Any project selected for funding must be consistent with the applicable CRA redevelopment plan and state law governing the CRA (Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes).

Additional considerations include the following:

• benefit to the district
• impact in tax base and ad valorem tax revenues
• impact on surrounding neighborhoods
• impact on economic development including job creation
• for residential projects, increase in affordable housing units*, and
• project contribution to redevelopment goals and objectives

To receive funding, a project must demonstrate a significant contribution to CRA goals and objectives and a tangible benefit to the community (e.g., infrastructure improvement, affordable housing units, etc.). Additionally, applicants are expected to have a minimum of 75% investment in the overall project cost.

CRA funding may take the form of TIF reimbursement, grants, infrastructure improvements, or other assistance. Except in extraordinary circumstances, CRA funding will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis after the project is completed (following issuance of a certificate of occupancy) and after the project is on the tax rolls.

Final approval for CRA assistance will be by the CRA Board following a public hearing.

For more information, contact the CRA Office at CRA@talgov.com or 850.891.8357.

* Affordable housing is defined as units sold or rented to households at or below 80% AMI. Developers may have the City certify their proposed projects as affordable housing. Contact housing@talgov.com for more information.

Download the NCAP Application Package

I am outside a CRA district. Can I receive funding?
No. All CRA funds must be used for properties located within the CRA district. Check if you are in a CRA district.

If you are outside a CRA district, resources may be available to you from other departments.

I received funding in the past from the CRA. Am I eligible for additional funding?
Yes. Funds received prior to October 1, 2024 will not be considered.

I am a tenant. Can I apply for funding?
Yes, but the property owner will be required to sign the application and agree to join the restrictive covenants and mortgage, if applicable.

I completed renovations to my property. Can I submit an application for reimbursement?
No. CRA grant funds cannot be used for work already completed. No improvements started or completed prior to application approval can be included in the total project cost and will not be eligible for reimbursement or matching funds.

If my application is approved, can I receive my funding before my project starts?
No. Grant funds will be disbursed upon completion of improvements and the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), Certificate of Completion (CC), or if no CO or CC, upon verification of completion by CRA staff.

How long does the application process take?
The application process will vary depending on the request. The FACE program was designed to be a quick process for smaller exterior improvements. This process, from application submittal to agreement execution will take approximately 2-3 weeks.

The CPIP timeline will vary depending on the funding request. Requests of $25,000 and under may be approved by the CRA Executive Director. Requests greater than $25,000 are required to be reviewed by either the Downtown Redevelopment Commission (DRC) for Downtown District properties or the Greater Frenchtown/Southside Citizen Advisory Committee (GFS CAC) for Greater Frenchtown/Southside properties. Grant awards exceeding $25,000 are subject to final approval by the CRA board. This process, depending on meeting schedules, may take 3-4 months from application submittal to agreement execution.

The CRA Board and the CAC meetings are every other month and the DRC meet quarterly. View the meeting schedule and submittal dates.

Can I electronically sign the application?
Yes, electronic signatures will be accepted.

Can I submit my application in-person?
No. All applications must be sent to cra@talgov.com. The application is designed to be a fillable PDF document. If you don't have access to complete the application electronically, you may print the document, fill it out by hand, scan, and email to cra@talgov.com