The City of Salem offers a matching grant program to help fund new construction or building additions for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use purposes in the West Salem Urban Renewal Area. The program also supports projects involving manufacturing equipment and related building improvements.

Why This Program Matters

This grant program is designed to encourage development and investment in the West Salem Urban Renewal Area. By supporting new construction, building improvements and manufacturing upgrades, the program helps create jobs, increase property values and enhance the area’s economic vitality. It is an important opportunity for property and business owners who want to expand their operations while contributing to the growth of the community.

Grant Details

Maximum Grant Amount

• Up to $300,000

Grant Requirements

• Applicants must provide at least 20% of the project cost as a match.
• Projects must increase usable space through new construction, building additions, or remodeling for manufacturing purposes.
• Investment must remain in the district for at least 10 years.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
• Grant funds cannot be used for costs incurred before the grant is awarded.
• Requirements may vary depending on the grant amount.

Who Can Apply

Eligible Recipients

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

Ineligible Recipients

• Tax-exempt properties and businesses.

Eligible Projects for Grant Funding

The West Salem Urban Renewal Area (URA) matching grant program supports a variety of projects that promote economic growth and community improvement. These projects help property and business owners expand their operations, improve their facilities and contribute to the overall development of the district. Below are the types of projects that qualify for funding.

Types of Eligible Projects 

• New Construction and Additions: 
  Projects that involve adding new space to an existing building or constructing a completely new building.

• Manufacturing Upgrades: 
  Remodeling projects that include installing new manufacturing equipment to improve the building’s utility and productivity.

• Location Requirements:
  The building site must be located in the West Salem Urban Renewal Area.
  The building must be used for industrial, commercial, or mixed-use multi-family residential purposes.

• Permanent Building Improvements: 
  Grant funds can be used for permanent interior and exterior construction.
  Funds cannot be used for demolition or for installing non-permanent items that could be removed from the building or district.

• Trade Fixtures and Equipment:
  Large equipment or fixtures that are permanently attached to the building or property to improve manufacturing productivity and create jobs in the area.

• Environmental Cleanup and Remediation: 
  Projects that involve cleaning up hazardous substances, conducting environmental assessments, or remediating contamination on the property.

West Salem Urban Renewal Agency Redevelopment Grant Program

For detailed information about the grant program, including eligibility requirements, application guidelines and funding details, refer to the West Salem Urban Renewal Agency Redevelopment Grant Program Document. This resource provides a comprehensive overview of how the program works and what is needed to apply.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents as part of their grant application:

1. West Salem Redevelopment Grant Application

Complete the official application form for the grant program. Ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.

1. Subcontractor Transparency Form

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 or Urban Renewal Area  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.

Additional Resources

For more information about related programs and grants, visit:

• Multi Unit Housing Tax Incentive Program
• Fairview Urban Renewal Area Grant Program
• North Gateway Rehabilitation Grant Program
• Riverfront Downtown Capital Improvement Program

To learn more about the West Salem Urban Renewal Area and other Urban Renewal Agency programs, contact the City of Salem.