The City of Battle Ground is accepting applications for its Old Town Facade Improvement Grant Program, which offers matching grants of up to $10,000 for eligible exterior improvements to storefronts and commercial properties in the city’s historic downtown core.
Applications are open through June 30. The reimbursement-based program will cover 50% of eligible improvement costs, up to $10,000 per applicant. The Battle Ground City Council created the program as part of the city’s 2026 budget, with $50,000 in total funding available.
The grant program is part of the city’s broader effort to revitalize Old Town Battle Ground following the adoption of the Old Town Sub-Area Plan in 2025. The plan, developed through a community-driven process, focuses on improving pedestrian access, traffic flow and public gathering spaces while beautifying the Old Town core and supporting new and existing businesses.
Eligible improvements include street-facing exterior upgrades such as doors and windows, exterior carpentry, storefront renovations, signage, painting, awnings, lighting, murals and permanent exterior artwork. City officials said small improvements, such as fresh paint, updated signs, new lighting or murals, can help create a more vibrant future for Old Town and the businesses that serve the community.
To qualify, applicants must be a retail or commercial property owner, or a business lessee with written authorization from the property owner. Properties must be located within the Old Town area, which includes East Main Street between North Parkway Avenue and Fairgrounds Avenue, and Northeast and Southeast First streets between North Parkway Avenue and Fairgrounds Avenue.
Businesses must have a current business license, and both the property owner and business must be in good standing and compliant with applicable Battle Ground Municipal Code requirements. Proposed projects must meet city and building code requirements, follow local and state laws and comply with city design standards, including the Old Town Style Guide included in the Old Town Sub-Area Plan.
The grant may only be used for street-facing exterior building improvements. Interior work is not eligible.
Ineligible projects include new building construction, non-street-facing improvements, nonconforming signage, nonpermanent fixtures such as furnishings or plants, sidewalk repair or replacement, interior building improvements, roof repair or replacement, payment of city permits or fees, payment for the applicant’s own labor and routine repairs or maintenance. Grants are not retroactive and cannot be applied to work already completed or underway at the time of application.
Applications will be processed in the order received, and only complete applications will be considered. Each applicant may apply for one grant. After an application is submitted, city staff will review it for eligibility and meet with the applicant to discuss the project and the city’s plan submittal process.
Successful applicants are expected to be notified by July 6. Conditionally approved projects will require a separate agreement with the city before construction begins. The agreement will outline the responsibilities of the applicant and the city, project scope and timeline, the applicant’s funding match and grant requirements, including reimbursement rules and prevailing wage requirements.
Approved grant funds will be released as reimbursement after the project is completed. All construction activity and receipts for reimbursement must be completed and submitted to the city by Dec. 31, 2026.
Projects funded through the program are subject to state prevailing wage laws. Applicants will need to provide proof of contractor payments, documentation of Labor and Industries-approved intent and affidavit forms for prevailing wage, and city inspection and approval of the work before reimbursement is issued.
Contractors must hold a valid Washington contractor license and Battle Ground business endorsement. City building permits may also be required depending on the project scope.
For more information, contact Deputy City Manager Robert Ferrier at Battle Ground City Hall, 109 SW First St., by email at exec.info@cityofbg.org or by phone at 360-342-5000.
Applications are available at cityofbg.org/OldTownGrant.
