La Grande launches 2026 Call for Projects; applications open March through May

The City of La Grande posted a NewsFlash on March 6, 2026 opening its 2026 "Call for Projects" funding cycle for the Revitalization Incentive Program, with applications accepted beginning March 9, 2026 and remaining open through May 15, 2026; the notice provides an online "Apply Here" link for project proposals. The NewsFlash and application materials emphasize geographic eligibility: "PROJECTS MUST BE LOCATED WITHIN THE URBAN RENEWAL DISTRICT."

The application packet requires applicants to tie proposals to city planning objectives. The form states, "Your project must address at least one goal from the La Grande Urban Renewal Plan," making alignment with the Urban Renewal Plan a threshold requirement for the Revitalization Incentive Program. The packet title reads "Call for Projects" (Revitalization Incentive Program) Funding Application.

Applicants must supply detailed applicant and property information on the form, including Name of Applicant, Date Submitted, Street Address, Telephone Number, Mailing Address (if different from Street Address), Email, Business Name, and Tax ID Number. The application also collects Building/ Property Owner Contact Information (if different from Applicant) and Building/ Property Address, and asks two explicit historic-property questions: "Is the Property located in the Historic District Y or N" and "Is the Property individually listed on the National Register Y or N."

Project scope and financial fields include several explicit items. The form asks, "Do you plan to provide any new or additional off‐street or off‐site parking as part of your project?" and requests "Total project cost (See attached worksheet)" along with Estimated start date, Estimated completion date, and Amount of Grant Request. The packet references an attached worksheet for calculating total project cost, indicating applicants should prepare line-item cost detail.

The City signals a strong preference for projects that are business-ready. Application language notes that preference "will be given to projects with high Business Viability and readiness to commence as determined in the sole discretion of the Agency." The packet adds: "An established business that is well-capitalized, has completed construction plans, actual contractor bids or binding quotes and a business plan would receive maximum points," underlining the advantage for shovel-ready commercial projects in La Grande's downtown renewal area.

Applicants must disclose prior Urban Renewal support for the property or project. The form explicitly asks, "Please list any previous Urban Renewal Funding received for this project or the property below:" and provides labeled lines for Façade Program, "Call for Projects" (Revitalization Incentive Program), and Business Development Assistance Program with spaces for dollar amounts and Date Funding Received.

The application materials also warn that historic-designated properties may require additional review: "Note: If yes to either, your project may require Landmarks Commission Review and approval before project commences." The NewsFlash did not include a maximum grant amount, post-application decision timeline, or a named City contact in the published excerpt; those details and the exact "Apply Here" link are available in the City of La Grande NewsFlash and the full application packet. With the March 9 start and May 15 deadline set, projects inside the Urban Renewal District should prepare construction plans, contractor bids, and business plans to meet the City's stated readiness criteria.