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1. When can I start my project?

Approval will not be given for any projects already started or completed. You must wait to begin until final approval has been given by the City Council.

2. How long does the approval process take?

The approval process can be rather lengthy. Here is the process:

1. Once your application is received in the Downtown Odessa, Inc. (DOI) offices, it is reviewed by the Executive Director. If any questions or concerns are noted by the Director, those will be addressed with the applicant.
2. Once all relevant questions have been answered the Director will take the application to the Design Committee for review and approval.
3. If approved by the Design Committee, the Executive Director will present the application to the Odessa Development Committee (ODC) for approval.
4. If approved by ODC, a presentation will be made to the City’s Finance Committee.
5. After presentation to the Finance Committee, the application will be presented to the City Council for final approval.

Depending on the date the application is submitted to the DOI offices, it can take up to 8 weeks. If there are any concerns from any of the aforementioned groups, the process will take longer.

3. Do I need to attend any of the meetings?

Yes, all of them.

4. How long does it take to be reimbursed?

Once you have submitted all invoices and proof of payment to the Downtown Odessa, Inc. (DOI) offices, the information is compiled and sent for a review for compliance with all contract terms. The information is reviewed (check that all necessary permits were applied for and executed, a final inspection was conducted, the final work represents the proposed work, the grant amount requested versus the amount actually spent is correct, etc.), compared to the contract executed with the applicant, and then, upon completion of the review, sent to the City Manager's Office for approval, then onto the City’s Finance Department, who will issue the reimbursement check. This process may take up to 4 weeks.

5. How do I calculate what my reimbursement will be?

Infrastructure Grants are reimbursed on a 50/50 basis meaning the grant can be reimbursed at 50% with the applicant investing 50% of their own funds in the project. The amount of the grant is dependent on the tiered system, but in no event will be more than $200,000.

• For example, if your property is located within Tier 1, and your total project cost is $100,000, you are eligible to receive up to $50,000 for a Qualifying Infrastructure Project.
• If your property is located in Tier 2, and your total project cost is $100,000, you are eligible to receive up to $37,500 for a Qualifying Infrastructure Project.

Façade Grants are reimbursed on an 80/20 basis meaning the grant can be reimbursed at 80% with the applicant investing 20% of their own funds in the project. The amount of the grant is dependent on the tiered system, but in no event will be more than $25,000.

• For example, if your business is located in Tier 1, you can receive up to 100% of the total grant, which is $25,000
• Your total project cost would need to be at least $31,250 making the $25,000 grant 80% of the total cost
• 20% owner participation would be $6,250

6. Is there a timeline for finishing the project?

Yes. The project must be completed within one year of the approval date.

7. What if I sell my building/business after I receive a grant?

• If you sell your building/business within one year after receiving a façade or infrastructure grant, you will be required to pay back 100% of monies received.
• If you sell your building/business within two years after receiving a façade or infrastructure grant, you will be required to pay back 50% of monies received.

8. I own a building but I lease it out to someone else. Can my lessee apply for a grant?

Yes.