Kane County announced the launch of a new downtown grant program designed to encourage private investment in commercial properties and enhance the visual appeal of several southern Utah community districts. The initiative provides matching funds for storefront upgrades, signage, and beautification projects across the county's primary economic hubs.
Grants for Downtown Improvements
The Kane County Façade, Tenant Improvement, Sign, and Beautification Grant Program utilizes funds from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to support property owners and business tenants. The program provides funding on a 1:1 matching basis for eligible improvements.
According to Kane County officials, the grant tiers include up to $7,500 per project for façade and tenant improvements involving exterior upgrades or interior space enhancements. Additionally, businesses can receive up to $2,500 for new or upgraded signage, while beautification grants of up to $1,000 are available for landscaping, lighting, benches, and other aesthetic elements.
Supporting Local Economic Hubs
The program specifically targets downtown areas in Kanab, Orderville, Glendale, Big Water, and Duck Creek Village. County officials noted that these districts serve as vital community hubs, particularly as tourism and visitation continue to rise throughout Southern Utah.
Kelly Stowell, Chair of the Kane County Economic Opportunity Board, said the program represents a meaningful step toward supporting local businesses and enhancing community character. Stowell noted that partnering with property owners through matching grants will create more welcoming districts for both residents and the thousands of annual visitors to the county.
Statewide Revitalization Framework
The use of Governor’s Office of Economic Development funds for these improvements aligns with state-level efforts to revitalize commercial districts. In 2021, the Utah Legislature passed SB0194, which established the Utah Main Street Program within the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
That legislation created a framework to provide resources for the revitalization of downtown or commercial district areas in municipalities across the state. The program was designed to offer training and technical assistance to local governments and businesses, with the potential to provide financial assistance to designated local main street programs subject to legislative appropriations.
Application Information
Property owners and business tenants interested in the Kane County program are encouraged to contact Kelly Stowelle via email or telephone for detailed guidelines. Applications for the grant opportunities are available on the official Kane County website.
