Beautification Grant Program Overview
Am I eligible for the beautification grant program?
In order to determine if you are eligible, please answer these two questions:
1. Is the property where the tree will be planted located within the limits of the urban renewal plan area?
2. Are you willing to follow the program guidelines?
If you answered yes to both questions, apply today to be considered for a $500 beautification grant.
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Talent has launched a new Beautification grant program that encourages the beautification within the urban Renewal Plan Area. The proposed grant provides funds for property owners to install plants and trees with attention to best practices and stewardship of local greenways. The program's primary goals are to:
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Provide funds to acquire plant material to land or business owners located in the Urban Renewal Plan Area, along with material on best practice stewardship of landscaping on their properties
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Provide online horticulture advice and knowledge of local plant resources, encouraging appropriate and long-term productive and compatible plant vegetation.
Trees and shrubs within the plan area will help stabilize soils and beautify the community. The majority of the Urban Renewal Plan Area was affected by the Almeda Fire, and the proposed beautification program would provide a welcoming, long-term improvement within the community and plan area. Landscape vegetation reduces temperatures through shading and provides an attractive addition to the community that can attract further investment and improvements in the area. Completion of this proposed application indicates that the applicant agrees to receiving pre- and post-planting site visits by the Urban Forestry Committee of Talent and will follow program guidelines set forth by the Urban Renewal Agency of Talent.
Beautification Grant Program Application
Beautification Grant Program Terms & Conditions
Other Funding: Funds from other granting sources may be leveraged through this program.
Maximum Award: The maximum grant award will not exceed $500 worth of plant materials.
Plant Restrictions: Funds are available for trees on Talent's approved tree list or as reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Urban Forestry Committee of the City of Talent.
Who May Apply: Property owners within the boundaries of the Urban Renewal Area. Application/Approval Process: A multi-step application process is required. Appropriateness of applications is the decision of the Agency, based on available funding, the application’s ability to meet the goals and objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, and the applicant’s ability to complete the proposed project within the Agency’s designated budget year. The Agency has sole authority to determine eligibility of proposed work, approve changes to approved grants, and confirm that work has been completed correctly. All designs must meet the requirements of the City’s design standards. Certain work may be required or precluded as a condition of funding, and funding on approved grants may be withdrawn if any portion of a project changes substantially from what was approved by the Agency, without receiving prior consent.
General Grant Terms: The general terms of the grant program are as follows:
1. All grants are paid upon completion of work, once final inspection and approval has occurred.
2. Reimbursement shall be made only on improvements specifically approved as a part of the grant.
3. The Agency reserves the right to withdraw funds on any portion of a grant that changes substantially from what was approved without first receiving prior consent from the Agency. Such consent is to be given by the Executive Director in consultation with the Board of Directors depending on the nature of the change.
4. Funding is dependent on timely completion of projects. All grant projects must be completed and grant monies expended in the fiscal year of grant award (no later than June 30), unless authorized otherwise.
5. Grantees will be asked to sign an agreement to irrigate and otherwise maintin new plants for two years or until native plants mature.
6. Property taxes must be current, and participants may not have debts in arrears to the City.
7. All contractors must obtain City business licenses prior to beginning work.
Approval of Work: The Agency will have sole authority to determine eligibility of proposed work and confirmation of completed work. Certain work may be required or precluded as a condition of funding.
Selection Methods: The Agency may utilize ranking systems or other determining factors to assist in the selection process depending on availability of funds and the number of applicants. If used, a ranking system may include, but not be limited to: location, need of applicant, and the project’s significance. Such ranking systems may be modified at any time to meet the goals of the Agency. Agency may coordinate with City Commissions and Committees to review grant applications and make receommendations the Agency's Board of Directors.
Selection Preference: The Agency will prioritize funds for street trees or trees that are visibile from public streets. Grant fund requests fon City property or right of ways should also be given selection preference.
Commitment of Funds: Awards will be based on available funding, the application’s ability to meet the goals and objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, and the applicant’s ability to complete the proposed project within the Agency’s designated budget year. All proposed work will be reviewed and approved by the Agency, prior to the Agency’s executing an official Agreement with the applicant. The Agreement will outline all the terms and conditions of the grant. It will be signed by the Agency and the applicant and serve as the legal commitment of both parties as to the scope, quality of work and the amount of funds committed.
Disbursement of Funds: Prior to disbursement of funds, all completed work will be reviewed by Agency staff and approved for compliance with the Agreement. Once approved, the applicant will be reimbursed within five (5) business days from date of approval. URA cannot reimburse (sub)contractors directly. If a project is approved in phases over a period of time, the Agency may agree, in writing, to schedule partial reimbursement after each phase of the project.
Eligible Areas: Eligible areas are restricted to the boundaries of the Urban Renewal Area.
GIS Tree Inventory: The Agency will register all trees planted through the grant program within the citywide GIS tree inventory.