Dallas District 7 Exterior Improvement Grant Program updates

Dallas City Council District 7 hosted a Lunch & Learn to brief small business owners on the new District 7 Exterior Improvement Grant Program on Tuesday afternoon, January 20, at Vista Bank on 3225 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

The City of Dallas initiative offers reimbursable grants up to $50,000 to support permanent exterior improvements to commercial properties located in District 7.

Councilman Adam Bazaldua said the program was created after the district identified available funding and looked for ways to make visible improvements in commercial corridors:

“We found out we had about $800,000 in economic development funds… and started to think about ways that we can impact business owners and property owners, especially in areas where the commercial building might not look up to par.”

The City’s Office of Economic Development outlined what the program can fund—such as façade upgrades, lighting, paving, fencing, ADA access, and murals—while emphasizing two points repeatedly: the grant is reimbursement-based and work cannot begin before the City agreement is executed.

Heather Lepeska explained that timelines depend on complete applications, estimating award decisions could take “four weeks… maybe… six weeks,” followed by “another four to six weeks” to complete the executed agreement before construction starts.

Artist and community advocate Derrick Walker encouraged businesses to apply even if they feel unsure about eligibility. “Let the city tell you no. Don’t tell yourself no,” he told attendees, pointing to exterior improvements and murals as ways to help District 7 businesses stand out as the area prepares for increased regional and international attention.

Local business owner Tabitha Wheeler highlighted the importance of keeping project spending in the neighborhood by using nearby vendors and contractors. “It’s really important that we continue to build each other’s businesses up,” she said.

For follow-up support, attendees were directed to contact District 7 at 469-354-9796 or District7@dallas.gov.

What the program is:

Reimbursable grant program for permanent, exterior improvements to commercial properties in or adjacent to Council District 7

Max grant award: $50,000

No money up front; City reimburses after the project is completed and verified

Where the funding came from:

District identified about $800,000 in economic development funds and built a program to impact small business and commercial corridors

Key rules you must remember:

Reimbursement only after completion: you pay first, then request reimbursement with documentation

Do not start work before the City grant agreement is fully executed; work started before approval will not be reimbursed

You must maintain the improvements for 5 years after reimbursement (compliance requirement)

Who can apply:

For-profit businesses located in District 7 (or directly adjacent)

Business owner or property owner can apply

Tenants can apply with written property owner approval (notarized form included in the application)

Must be current on City of Dallas taxes and in good standing with the State of Texas

Improvements must be permanent, exterior, capital improvements

What kinds of projects can be funded:

Façade/exterior upgrades (public-facing)

Parking lot reconstruction/resurfacing (more than minor pothole repair)

Exterior lighting

Gates/fencing

Murals and permanent art installations (public-facing)

Sidewalk and ADA improvements (ramps, accessible paths)

Landscaping when part of a larger eligible exterior project

Energy-efficiency exterior upgrades (e.g., windows, lighting, integrated energy solutions)

What is not funded:

Interior renovations

Operating expenses, working capital, payroll, startup costs

Certain business types (examples named: smoke shops/vape-related, strip clubs, big box stores, pawn shops)

Projects outside District 7/adjacent area

Any work completed before the City agreement is signed.