The CDBG‑funded Streetscapes Program supports Iowa communities in revitalizing their downtown districts by improving the safety, accessibility, and visual quality of public spaces.
Donor Name: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
State: Iowa
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Building on successful local investments made through the Commercial Facades Program, this initiative offers eligible CDBG applicants the opportunity to enhance sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, wayfinding, and other public‑realm features that strengthen commercial corridors and promote long‑term economic vitality. Streetscape projects must meet a CDBG National Objective and align with HUD‑eligible community development activities that improve infrastructure, eliminate blight, and support vibrant downtown environments.
National Objectives
- Activities funded under the CDBG Streetscapes Program must meet either HUD’s Low- and ModerateIncome (LMI) Area Benefit (LMA) national objective, as outlined under 24 CFR § 570.208(a (1)(i) and below, or Elimination of Slum and Blight on an Area Basis (SBA), as outlined under 24 CFR § 570.208(b)(1) and below.
- If utilizing the LMA national objective, at least 51% of the residents in that municipality as a whole must be LMI. The applicant should default to using ACS data when determining the LMI percentage of their community. The applicant should include supporting documentation in their application that justifies the need for the community survey, as well as all survey documentation and results.
- If utilizing the SBA national objective, the municipality must have a blighted target area in the downtown/commercial core established via Council Resolution following Iowa Code chapter 43 and must include that resolution in the application. Additionally, at least half of all existing streetscaping must be in a general state of deterioration and the project proposal must seek to address those existing conditions.
Funding Information
Maximum grant amount is $250,000.00.
Eligible Activities
As described in the “Purpose” section above, eligible activities include improvements to streets, curb cuts and/or bump-outs, streetlights, benches, sidewalks, street trees, street signs, and other permanently installed features commonly understood as “streetscaping.” No work may be done on private property. Note that parks/recreational uses, murals, blade signs on businesses, or seasonal/temporary installments are not eligible under this program. Additionally, architectural/engineering services, as well as grant administration services, are eligible grant expenses, assuming they were procured for in accordance with the regulations specified in this document. Pre award expenses are not eligible for reimbursement.
Eligibility Criteria
Non-entitlement units of general local government (UGLGs) that have successfully closed out a previous CDBG Downtown Revitalization (DTR) award are the eligible applicants for these funds. Projects must occur in a community with 51% of household being low-to moderate income or meeting the requirements necessary to satisfy HUD’s elimination of blight national objective.
For more information, visit IEDFA.
