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
Project Manager: Daniel Blumberg
blumbergdn@gainesvillefl.gov
(352) 393-8208
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
Housing Programs
Project Manager: Chelsea Bakaitis
bakaitisch@gainesvillefl.gov
The GCRA will offer five programs that address a variety of housing-related needs within the district.
Currently Available as of 7/12/2022
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 areas
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), home energy tune-ups are available 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.
Neighborhood Paint Program
The program provides free exterior pressure washing and painting services to homeowners within Eligible Neighborhoods. Application cycles vary by neighborhood.
Applications for the Fifth Avenue and Pleasant Street neighborhoods will be accepted from September 1 – December 31, 2022. Applications are approved on a first-come first-served basis. Only complete applications will be accepted.
Applications for the following neighborhoods will be accepted beginning in 2023:
Duval, Cedar Grove, and North Lincoln Heights: February 1 – May 30
Springhill, Sugarhill, and Porters: June 1 – September 29
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.