Programs & Incentives
The GCRA is developing a new suite of incentive programs designed to encourage neighborhood preservation, economic development and community partnerships within the district.
Economic Development Programs
Business Improvement Grant Program
The program offers a 50% matching grant, paid as a reimbursement, for eligible improvements to commercial building exteriors. This program is offered district-wide. GCRA District Map
For more information on the Business Improvement Grant, contact Daniel Blumberg, GCRA Project Manager, at blumbergdn@cityofgainesville.org or (352) 393-8208.
Community Enhancements & Housing Programs
The GCRA will offer five programs that address a variety of housing-related needs within the district.
Currently Available as of 4/25/2022
Neighborhood Paint Program
The program provides free exterior pressure washing and painting services to homeowners within Eligible Neighborhoods. Application cycles vary by neighborhood.
Applications are being accepted now through August 31 for the following neighborhoods:
Greater Duval
Cedar Grove II
North Lincoln Heights
Porters
Sugarhill
Springhill
Applications for the Fifth Avenue and Pleasant Street neighborhoods will be accepted from September 1 – December 31, 2022.
Heirs’ Property Assistance Program
The program offers probate legal assistance to heirs’ property owners to clear the title to the homes so owners can take advantage of property rights. The purpose of the program is to increase neighborhood stability, grow individual and family wealth in Gainesville’s underserved communities, and increase access to attainable housing. This program is offered district-wide. Map of eligible area
My Neighborhood Program
The program offers $25,000 towards the purchase of a home or lot within eligible neighborhoods. To be eligible, recipients must have lived in a program neighborhood for at least three years before 2011. The purpose of the program is to encourage strong community connections by incentivizing long-term homeownership within neighborhoods. The eligible neighborhoods are Cedar Grove II, Greater Duval, Fifth Avenue, North Lincoln Heights, Pleasant Street, Porters, Springhill, and Sugarhill. Map of Eligible Neighborhoods
The next application period for this program will run from May 1, 2022, until July 31, 2022.
Home Energy and Water Efficiency Initiative
Through a partnership with the Community Weatherization Coalition (CWC), the GCRA and CWC will offer home energy tune-ups to eligible property owners (homesteaders and landlords) and renters in order to lower the energy cost burden of district residents. The purpose of this program is to encourage safe, well-designed, high-quality housing to support the existing housing stock that provides housing options for long-term homeowners and renters.
Applications are submitted through the Community Weatherization Coalition and are available on their website.
Programs Coming Soon
Historic Home Stabilization Program
This proposed program will provide stabilization work on historic houses within eligible neighborhoods. The purpose of this program is to promote the preservation of historic buildings through proper rehabilitation and prevent demolition by neglect.
Eligible neighborhoods include: Fifth Avenue, Pleasant Street, Porters Quarters, and Springhill.
For more information on Community Enhancements and Housing programs, contact Chelsea Bakaitis, GCRA Project Manager, at bakaitisch@cityofgainesville.org or (352) 393-8201.
Community Partnerships
The GCRA is partnering with the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) on grant programming to support special events in Gainesville. The program is currently in development with an expected launch date in early 2022.