City of Poughkeepsie -Community Development

Community Development
Community Development is responsible for overseeing the following programs:

Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF) - The EDLF offers low-interest rate loans to new and expanding businesses in the City of Poughkeepsie. The main objective of this loan fund is to encourage business growth and create and/or retain jobs for low and moderate-income City residents. Under present terms, subject to adequate credit history, owner equity, collateral and financials of business and principals, a maximum of $50,000 is available at prime or below prime interest rate with repayment options up to 15 years. Loan funds may be used for partial remodeling or fit-up costs, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment and inventory (start-up businesses only). The EDLF is funded through the Community Development Block Grant and is subject to availability.

The EDLF guidelines and application are available on the Forms and Applications page

New Business Rental Subsidy Grant:
The New Business Retail Rental Subsidy Grant is an initiative to attract street level retail by underwriting the monthly rental in conjunction with the property owner up to three years. The property owner agrees to reduce the monthly square footage by a certain dollar amount and the City will match that up to $3.00 per square foot for a maximum 1,000 square feet for the first year. The City’s contribution would decline 1/3 the second and third years. This Grant is being offered in the Main Street Corridor from N. Bridge Street to Cherry Street as well as one block north and south of Main Street.

The New Business Rental Subsidy Grant guidelines and application are available on the Forms and Applications page

Façade Improvement Grant Program: This grant offers a maximum of $7,500 in assistance for the restoration and/or rehabilitation of facades for commercial buildings. The Façade Improvement program may be used for materials, supplies or rental equipment associated with the approved façade improvement. This grant is available to businesses and building owners located within designated census tracts, as outlined in the application package. The Façade Improvement Grant is funded through the Community Development Block Grant and is subject to availability.

UPDATE 9/2009: The Facade Improvement Grant Program is not available at this time.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): This is a Federal grant authorized through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This Grant provides funding to non-profit agencies or City projects that directly benefit low and moderate income residents of the City. Past recipients include, but are not limited to, day care facilities, homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, sidewalk/street improvements, after school programs, etc.

The CDBG Request for Funding is available on the Forms and Applications page

Housing Opportunities For Persons With Aids (HOPWA): A Federal grant subsidizing rental assistance through non-profit agencies for the HIV/AIDS population in Dutchess and Orange Counties. This grant is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

2008-2012 Consolidated Plan: This document presents a strategic plan to address the three goals established by federal statute for these programs: providing decent housing; providing a suitable living environment; and providing expanded economic opportunities.