This is a list of grants and incentives provided by non-TGM state and national programs. They are included here to help local governments supplement or complement
TGM grants.
ODOT and DLCD Opportunities
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transportation Enhancement Grants
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program supports local governments, organizations, and citizens in planning, designing, and constructing pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
Safe Routes to School
The
Oregon Safe Routes to School Program works to make it easier for children to safely walk and bike to school. Infrastructure programs focus on safe walking and biking routes by funding crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes. Non-infrastructure programs focus on education and outreach for kids.
Public Transportation
The ODOT Rail and Public Transit Division develops programs and policies for the
Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund, a dedicated source of funding for expanding public transportation.
Other ODOT Funding
ODOT has a number of other funding and grant opportunities for local governments.
DLCD Planning Grants
DLCD provides
planning grants and technical assistance to local governments to help them update comprehensive plans, land use ordinances, and other planning regulations. Planning grants are awarded to jurisdictions working within a structured periodic review process. Technical Assistance grants can go to jurisdictions for other planning projects.
Opportunities from Other Oregon Agencies
Energy Tax Credits
The
Oregon Department of Energy offers tax credits and other incentives to those who invest in energy conservation, recycling, renewable energy resources and energy-efficient transportation projects. Transportation projects that reduce fuel consumption may also qualify. Energy-efficient schools may also qualify for grants.
Main Street Program
Oregon Main Street is a commercial district revitalization program jointly housed with Business Oregon and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. This program was created to assist communities in achieving viable commercial districts. In the 1970s, the
National Trust for Historic Preservation developed its pioneering
Main Street four point approach to commercial district revitalization.
Main Street aims to encourage economic development and historic preservation. The approach advocates a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment and the rebuilding of traditional districts based on their unique assets: distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, local ownership and a sense of community.
Federal and Non-profit Opportunities
Historic Preservation Incentives
Many older and historic communities in Oregon were designed in ways that encourage walking, biking, and use of transit. Pedestrian-friendly streets, compact development, and other features now being promoted through New Urbanism can often be found in the Old Urbanism.
Federal tax credits are available to help developers rehabilitate older buildings in existing communities. The
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program allows developers and property owners to claim:
- a 20% tax credit on expenses incurred in the rehabilitation of certified historic structures or buildings located in a district listed in the National Register of Historic Places; or
- A 10% tax credit on expenses incurred in the rehabilitation of non-historic buildings built before 1936.
These credits are available for substantial rehabilitation projects. Thus rehab expenses must exceed $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the building. The buildings must be depreciable. That is, they must be used in a trade or business for the production of income. They may be used for offices, stores, industry, agriculture or rental housing, but they may not serve exclusively as the owner's home.
The
State of Oregon's Special Assessments for Historic Properties offer 10-year property tax abatements under certain circumstances as an incentive to preserve and rehabilitate historic properties.
For more information contact the
Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, which administers the program and a tax abatement program for historic properties.
Community Design for Governors
The
Governors' Institute on Community Design works with governors and top staff members across America to address community design and land use. Workshops can bring together a state governor and her cabinet to meet with nationally renowned experts and practitioners in design, planning, transportation, and land use.