March 10, 2010

The Portland Development Commission (PDC) now has funds available for community livability projects in the Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area (ICURA). The Community Livability Grant Program, administered by PDC, awards funding for projects that involve physical improvements to community facilities, open spaces or historic/cultural preservation. The program invests in facilities and other assets of ICURA neighborhoods that improve livability for residents and enhance the unique nature of these Portland neighborhoods.

Up to $400,000 in Community Livability Funds will be awarded in the coming fiscal year, June 2010 through July 2011. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations, business associations, and public or non-profit tax exempt entities.

Individuals or groups interested in submitting an application must attend a mandatory information workshop to learn more about project eligibility, completing the application, and the evaluation and selection process. Workshops will be offered at:

  • Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Lorenzen Center, 2801 N. Gantenbien,
    Tuesday, March 30, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Kaiser Permanente Town Hall, 3704 N. Interstate Avenue, 
    Wednesday, April 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Proposals are due to PDC by Tuesday, May 4 at 5 p.m. Proposals will be reviewed by the ICURA Community Livability Committee which will make recommendations back to PDC. Decisions will be announced on Wednesday, June 30. Projects can begin as soon as the grantees have formalized a Letter of Agreement with PDC.

PDC has awarded more than $950,000 in ICURA Community Livability Grants since 2006. Grant awards have ranged from $5,000 to more than $100,000. Projects receiving awards have included:

  • A wheelchair ramp for a community medical center;
  • New shade trees and benches at Humboldt School;
  • Heating, electrical upgrade, and doors for a new art center in Kenton;
  • Exterior building improvements for a community center in Boise;
  • A new furnace and energy efficient improvements for a child care center;
  • Historic building improvements, including acoustic upgrades, new solar power and sustainable storm water runoff.

Details about the grant program and a downloadable application are available at: www.pdc.us/communitylivability, or contact Susan Kuhn at kuhns@pdc.us; 503-823-3406.