The City of Salem offers a matching grant program in the Fairview Urban Renewal Area (URA) to support businesses in constructing new buildings, adding to existing structures, or investing in permanent manufacturing equipment and related building improvements. This program is designed to encourage economic growth and enhance business operations within the district.

Why This Program Matters

The matching grant program is an important resource for businesses looking to expand or improve their operations in the Fairview URA. By providing financial support, the program helps reduce the cost burden of construction and equipment investments, making it easier for businesses to grow. This, in turn, strengthens the local economy, creates jobs, and ensures long-term investment in the district. For property owners and business tenants, this program offers an opportunity to modernize facilities and improve productivity, benefiting both individual businesses and the community as a whole.

Program Overview

Fairview Urban Renewal Area Overview

Maximum Grant Amount

• Up to $300,000

Grant Requirements

• A 20% match is required for eligible projects.
• Projects must involve one of the following:
  • Construction of a new building.
  • Additions to an existing building.
  • Remodeling to increase a building's utility for manufacturing purposes.
• Investments must remain in the Fairview URA for at least 10 years.
• Grant funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before the grant is awarded.

Requirements may vary depending on the grant amount.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Recipients

• Property owners with full ownership of the property (fee title).
• Business tenants with written permission from the property owner to make building improvements.

Note: Tax-exempt properties and businesses are not eligible for this grant program.

What Projects Are Eligible?

The grant program supports projects that improve industrial or commercial properties in the Fairview URA. Eligible projects include:

• Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings.
• Remodeling projects that improve the utility of a building for manufacturing purposes.
• Permanent interior and exterior building improvements. (Grant funds cannot be used for demolition or temporary installations that can be removed from the building or district.)
• Installation of permanent manufacturing equipment that is large and fixed to the building or site to enhance productivity.

Important Notes

• The building site must be located within the Fairview Urban Renewal Area.
• All building uses must be industrial or commercial in nature.
• Grant funds cannot be used for non-permanent items or equipment that can be removed from the property.

How to Apply

To apply for the Fairview URA Matching Grant Program, complete the Fairview Urban Renewal Area Grant Application. Make sure to review all requirements and eligibility criteria before submitting your application.

Fairview Urban Renewal Area Grant Application

Subcontractor Transparency

Transparency documentation identifying each contractor, subcontractor and all sole proprietors performing work on the projects that have received either Multi Unit Housing Tax Incentive Programs (MUHTIP) or Urban Renewal Area (URA) grants with a grant exception must be filed with the City at the time building permits are obtained. The Subcontractor Transparency Form must be displayed at the job site and kept up-to-date until the completion of the project.

Subcontractor Transparency Form 

Additional information on Multi Unit Housing Tax Incentive Program and other URA grants:

• Multi Unit Housing Tax Incentive Program (MUHTIP)
• North Gateway Rehabilitation Grant Program
• Riverfront Downtown Capital Improvement Grant Program
• West Salem Redevelopment Grant Program