Funding Resources for Oregon

Funding Program for Equitable Housing and Economic Opportunities in Oregon Opens in June

Funding will support equitable development and long-term economic growth.

Oregon Metro will open the next cycle of funding for local government planning in June of 2024. Funding will support projects to remove barriers to housing development, support economic growth, promote planning that makes land ready for development, and implement Metro’s long-term plan for livable and equitable communities. In 2023, more than $3 million was offered for concept planning, equitable development, meaningful community engagement, and preparing industrial lands for development. Cities and counties must meet certain criteria, which varies by grant type. To prepare for this opportunity, visit the 2040 Planning and Development Grants page, review the past-year 2023 application guidelines, and sign up to be notified about program activities including the June funding opportunity.

Approximately $8 Million Available in Oregon for Reducing Diesel Emissions

Grant funds support upgrading diesel equipment to improve air quality.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is providing $8 million to help eligible entities to retrofit, repower, or replace diesel equipment with newer, cleaner alternatives. Local and tribal government agencies, school districts, transit providers, and private nonprofit organizations may apply. Reimbursement from the program varies from 25 to 100 percent, depending on the project type, equipment, and owner. Projects that benefit vulnerable populations and provide benefits in areas with higher diesel emissions may be given greater priority. Applications are due May 30, 2024. To learn more about eligibility and application requirements, visit the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grants page.

Oregon Grant Program Supports Projects to Improve Access to Transportation

A total of $350,000 is available in microgrants to improve transportation access in underserved areas.

The Oregon Department of Transportation launched its Innovative Mobility Program in late March. The program provides $15,000 microgrants for projects that support historically underserved communities’ access to public and active transportation. Local, regional, tribal, and state governments; nonprofit organizations; transportation providers; and others are eligible to apply. Funding can be used for outreach and informational work, demonstration projects, and transportation needs assessments as well as for other types of projects. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from late March through November 29, 2024, or until the funding allocation is met. Although microgrant funding is not competitive, $175,000 of funding will be reserved for nonprofits. To learn more, visit the Innovative Mobility Program page.

Business Oregon Provides Funding for Marine Navigation Projects

Oregon ports can use program funding for matching a federal project or for qualified nonfederal projects.

The Business Oregon Marine Navigation and Improvement Fund (MNIF) provides funding to assist ports in maintaining navigable channels in Oregon waterways. Applicants participating in federal projects, including projects designed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, may use the MNIF as its project match. Applicants with nonfederal projects must demonstrate that the project meets certain criteria for freight, commercial, or recreation projects; support or provide access to a federally authorized project; is shovel-ready; and is listed in the port’s strategic plan. Nonfederal projects require a local match, which can be a combination of cash and 10 percent in-kind services. Applications are accepted on a year-round basis. Applicants must work with the program’s Regional Development Officer to apply.

Oregon State Historic Preservation Office Offers Grants for Preserving Oregon’s History

Two grants each can provide up to $20,000 to restore, reconstruct, or preserve the state’s heritage.

This spring, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office is offering several grants to help preserve and protect Oregon’s history. Two grants, the Diamonds in the Rough Grant and the Preserving Oregon Grant, provide funding for historical structures or archaeological sites.

• Diamonds in the Rough grants provide funds to restore or reconstruct the facades of heavily altered buildings. Applicants should seek to return historical buildings to their historic appearance and potentially qualify them for historic designation (local or national). Grants may be awarded up to $20,000. The deadline for application is May 1, 2024.
• The Preserving Oregon Grant offers matching grants for rehabilitation work that supports the preservation of historical resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or for significant work to identify, preserve and/or interpret archaeological sites. A letter of intent to apply, due by April 11, 2024, and a preapplication work description submission are required. The deadline for application is May 1, 2024.

Detailed guidelines, links to webinars, and program contacts are available at the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office grants page.

Transportation System Planning and Growth Management Program Announcement in March 2024

Approximately $3 million will be available to help communities plan for more sustainable and economically vital communities.

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and Oregon Department of Transportation will provide an estimated $3 million in funding through two tracks to help communities meet state transportation planning requirements and provide greater opportunities for transit, walking, and biking. The Transportation System Planning and Growth Management program funds activities that include analysis for, updates to, or implementing projects from transportation system plans and/or combining land use planning with transportation facility planning for transportation facilities that reduce a community’s greenhouse gas emissions. Past award amounts have varied from $25,000 to $300,000. The mandatory preapplication period is in March and the application period opens in May and closes in late July 2024.

Two Rounds of Funding Available for Low- and Moderate-Income Community Development

Approximately $12 million will be available in 2024.

Business Oregon announces two application periods for its Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program. CDBGs are available to nonmetropolitan cities and counties in rural Oregon. Projects must benefit low-to-moderate residents, aid in preventing blight, or address an urgent need that poses a serious threat to a community’s health and welfare. Projects can help improve public infrastructure or community facilities or provide housing for income-eligible populations. Awards vary by type of project and applicant’s need and they range from $100,000 to $2.5 million. Preapplication requires the involvement of a Regional Project Manager before submittal to determine eligibility. The first application period is February 1 to April 30; the second is July 1 to September 30.

Up to $50,000 per Applicant Available from Business Oregon for Port Planning and Marketing

The Program supports strategic business planning and marketing efforts for Oregon’s ports.

Business Oregon’s Port Planning and Marketing Fund is open to all ports with a strategic business plan to apply for up to $50,000 for strategic plan updates, marketing, and supporting projects that benefit the region. Projects that that leverage existing state or regional efforts; benefit more than one port; and/or lead to economic diversification, development of a new emerging industry, redevelopment of existing facilities, or the creation of jobs or additional revenues receive additional consideration as priority projects. Applications are accepted at any time of year. The Business Oregon program webpage provides more information, including how to find a regional development officer for additional assistance.

The Oregon Special Public Works Fund Provides Loans for Infrastructure

Loan assistance for essential infrastructure and emergency needs.

The Oregon Special Public Works Fund is a $250 million financing program that was started in 2020 to help local and tribal governments, ports, and airport districts receive loan funding with favorable interest rates for infrastructure projects. Eligible projects include emergency projects for essential facilities vital to public health and safety, projects for energy and telecommunication systems, and projects for levee certification. The program also includes limited funding for technical assistance for some projects. The funding for emergency projects cannot be used for costs that qualify for assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program grants or for projects that have begun construction. Funding is ongoing, with no application deadline, until all funds are dispensed. The final funding package amount, up to $10,000,000, will be determined by Business Oregon on a case-by-case basis and may include a mix of direct loans, interim loans subject to bond financing, and/or grants. Potential applicants can learn more about the program through the program brochure, the Special Public Works Fund handbook, or by contacting your regional development officer.

The Oregon Marine Navigation Improvement Fund Provides Grants and Loans to Ports

Assistance for matching federal projects or to support nonfederal navigation improvement projects.

The Oregon Marine Navigation Improvement Fund provides grants and loans to ports year-round until the fund is dispensed. Ports seeking funding for federally authorized projects that have benefits across the nation, such as projects designed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, can use the program funding as a match. Navigation projects that do not qualify for federal assistance but support commercial or recreational activity may also qualify for this funding source. Potential applicants can learn more about the program, subscribe to email updates, and find a regional development officer on the program website.

Oregon Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Awards vary for publicly accessible or multifamily housing charging stations.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is offering cash incentive rebates to state and local governments and tribal entities for electric vehicle charging stations in publicly accessible parking areas and at multifamily housing units. A total of $1.75 million is available; maximum rebates per charging port vary by location up to $5,500. The requirements for installation vary for stations located in public parking areas and those in multifamily housing areas; a fact sheet clearly lays out the options. Rebates can be stacked with other incentives for electric vehicle charging stations. The program website offers upcoming information sessions, fact sheets, a list of qualifying charging stations, and other helpful information, or email a program contact at communitychargingrebates@odot.oregon.gov. Applications will be accepted starting in June.

Oregon Grants Fund Planning for Transportation, Growth Management, and Land Use Planning

Two grant programs fund efforts to plan for smart growth that improves communities.

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Oregon Department of Transportation are collaborating on two types of local-government grants: (1) transportation system planning and (2) integrated land use and transportation planning.

Transportation system planning grants help local governments develop and update required transportation system plans (TSPs) and implement measures, encourage the use of transit and active transportation modes, and reduce the use of state highways for local transportation.

Integrated land use and transportation planning grants help local governments bring together land use and transportation facility planning for efforts such as developing plans for uses in a specific area or municipality, planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and implementing measures and strategies such as code changes and fostering redevelopment.

Award amounts generally range from $125,000 to $250,000 and require a match of 14 percent. Pre-application packets on the program website also include the application guidelines. The application period will open in May 2023. For more information, visit the program website or contact Bill Holmstrom, DLCD, 971-375-5975, or Elizabeth Ledet, ODOT, at 503-986-3205.

Oregon to Receive $210 Million in Federal Funds for Semiconductor Industry

Clearing the way to once again get federal green to grow the Silicon Forest.

On April 13, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 4 into law so the state can begin receiving federal funding through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022. The bill creates a state fund that commits $190 million to support Oregon business as they apply for federal CHIPS and Science Act funding, allocates $10 million for local governments to allocate land for semiconductor industry sites, and funnels $10 million to public universities to access federal research grant money. The law is expected to go into effect by mid-September 2023.

Business Oregon Offers Forgivable Loans for Brownfield Remediation

New resource targets private owners and operators of contaminated property.

Business Oregon’s new Brownfields Properties Revitalization Fund offers forgivable loans that can reimburse private owners and operators for up to half of remediation costs on eligible projects, or $250,000, whichever is less. Certain public benefit enhancements can each increase the amount of funding by $125,000, up to $500,000 or the total cost of remediation, whichever is less. Examples of enhancements include affordable housing (4+ units or 20%), development in a rural or distressed area, and meeting local needs for outdoor recreation and healthcare. A notice of proposed rulemaking is available at this website, and the establishing legislation is available here.

Oregon’s Innovative Mobility Program Offers Microgrants

Up to $5,000 grants are available on a rolling basis.

Oregon’s Department of Transportation is offering microgrants to support innovative mobility projects that improve access to public transportation and reduce car trips and greenhouse gases, especially for historically excluded or marginalized populations. Local governments, transit agencies, nonprofits, and businesses providing community services can apply for up to $5,000 on a rolling basis. Funded by the federal Infrastructure, Innovation and Jobs Act, the Innovative Mobility Program is a great way to fund everything from subsidized transit fares to electric scooter shares and safety training. Read more at this link. Looking for larger competitive grants to support innovative mobility programs? Keep an eye out—applications are expected to open in late 2023.

Get Rolling with ODOT’s Innovative Mobility Program

Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT’s) Innovative Mobility Program offers $5,000 microgrants that are available on a rolling basis to help improve public transportation, reduce car trips, and limit greenhouse gas emissions with the twin goal of improving transportation equity so that everyone can move around safely and with lower cost. Tribes, state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, business providing community services, metropolitan planning associations and transportation management associations are all eligible to apply, and organizations are limited to two grants in a 12-month period.

Don’t wait! Get rolling and apply today!

Look Ahead: Oregon Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

Did you know that Oregon’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) accepts applications for loans twice a year, with application periods closing September 15 and March 15? With the September deadline behind us, now is the time to look ahead to March. State revolving funds support improvements to safeguard public health and drinking water quality. With more funding opportunities because of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, now is a great time to consider applying. For more information, visit the program’s website.

Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Grants Applications Due July 28, 2022

Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program (TGM) grants are back! These competitive grants are available in two types:

• Category 1: Transportation System Planning, to provide a range of transportation choices and meet requirements of the Oregon Transportation Planning Rule
• Category 2: Integrated Land Use and Transportation Planning, to promote communities that meet the needs of all people to live, work, and move

A preapplication packet is not required but encouraged, and though preapplication packets were due March 31, the state will consider additional submissions on a rolling basis. Applications for TGM funds are due July 28, 2022.

Grants generally range between $100,000 and $250,000, with a 12 percent local match required. The program typically awards between $2 million and $2.5 million annually. Eligible applicants include local governments and Tribes.

New resource for rural communities

As part of the TGM program, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is offering a new service to support rural communities with populations smaller than 20,000 people and that are located outside a metropolitan planning organization. Support can focus on: (1) engaging transportation-disadvantaged, and/or traditionally underserved populations in transportation planning efforts; (2) prioritizing and providing project-level analysis to projects to provide transportation options that align with state and federal funding streams; (3) both. Support is available either as a grant (where the project is completed by the applicant on a reimbursable basis) or by DLCD-contracted project consultants.

To apply and learn more, visit this page.

DEQ Diesel Equipment Replacement, Retrofit, and Repower Grant Applications Due June 7, 2022

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering $8 million in grants this year to reduce diesel emissions. Private, public, and Tribal diesel equipment owners are eligible to apply for funding. Retrofitting, repowering, or replacing older, more polluting diesel equipment with cleaner alternative technologies is eligible if it measurably decreases diesel emissions in Oregon. Depending on the project type, equipment, and owner, grants may reimburse for 25 to 100 percent of project costs. Applications are due June 7, 2022, awards will be announced in August, and project funding becomes available January 15, 2023. The DEQ website provides additional Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Program information and a detailed grant program user guide.

Oregon Forgivable Loans for Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment

A new Oregon resource is available to support brownfield cleanup and redevelopment.

Established by the Oregon Legislature in 2021, the Oregon Brownfields Redevelopment Fund (BPRF) offers forgivable loans of up to $250,000 or 50 percent of eligible brownfield costs. Additional forgivable loan amounts of up to 25 percent of eligible costs (to a maximum award of $125,000) are available under certain circumstances, so that the total available under this program could be up to $500,000 and 100 percent of eligible costs. Funds can support demolition, solid waste and hazardous substances management, and more. Notably, unlike many brownfield revitalization funding programs, private sector entities are eligible to apply. Business Oregon is accepting inquiries for BPRF funding on a rolling basis.

For more information, check out this memo summarizing the program, and contact MFA senior planner Dan Eisenbeis.

Oregon Legislative Update

Oregon’s legislative session wrapped up June 26, and it was a big year for brownfields. Among other developments, the state legislature:

• Recapitalized the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund at its full requested level of $10 million.
• Made it possible to pursue insurance assets associated with dissolved companies that may have been responsible for environmental contamination (HB 2377).
• Created a new $5 million Oregon Brownfield Properties Revitalization Fund that will support cleanup grants in the form of forgivable loans to brownfield owners (HB 2518).

Oregon Prepares for Influx of Funding from American Rescue Plan, Dearth of Service Providers

Oregon is slated to receive $2.6 billion from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The first half of the allocation ($1.3 billion) will arrive in May or June and will be distributed to local governments according to population. The League of Oregon Cities includes several great resources on the ARP and the allocation for all units of government in Oregon, including this useful spreadsheet.

Allocation highlights include:

• City of Portland: $217.8 million
• City of St. Helens: $2.8 million
• Josephine County: $16.97 million

The Oregon legislature is anticipating the influx of funding and is managing activities in advance as much as possible. For example, the legislature is keeping project-related bills open past the point where they would be expected to die due to a lack of funding.

Brownfield-related bills and budgets that may benefit include HB2518, which would direct $5 million to a new fund for forgivable loans to public and private entities for brownfield cleanup actions, and a recapitalization of the Brownfield Assistance Fund managed by Business Oregon. This could also result in some new and previously unconsidered programs, such as allocating seed capital for Brownfield Land Bank Authorities enabled via HB2734 in 2016.

Business Oregon and other industry groups have already raised warnings about the potential lack of available service providers to meet the demand anticipated to result from the influx of stimulus funding. This will include engineering, design, planning, construction management, and related services. Since this is already a perceived issue, an infrastructure bill much larger than the ARP may be imminent.

Apply for Small Business Technical Assistance Grants by July 17

The Oregon Emergency Board has allocated up to $3 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding for a competitive grant program. The program is administered by Business Oregon, which is accepting proposals from “culturally competent service providers for grants to extend and enhance the availability of technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.” Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, July 17.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and nonprofit trade associations, Chambers of Commerce, Community-Based Organizations, Economic Development Districts, and Small Business Development Centers that operate in areas the meet the state’s definition of “rural.”

To learn more and apply, visit www.oregon4biz.com/assets/docs/RFP/SmBizTAGrantAssistance-Announcement.pdf.

State Economists Predict Significant Budget Hits, Lengthy Recovery

Oregon’s Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) predicts the state budget will take a $2.7 billion hit in the current biennium and a $4.4 billion hit in the 2021-23 biennium. Economists say that, overall, Oregon will see a sharp downturn and that recovery will be gradual, taking years to return the state to its pre-coronavirus economic activity.

The OEA explains in its May report that, after an initial rebound from the lifting of social distancing restrictions, “growth will continue but at a relatively slow pace due to the uncertainty surrounding public health. Firms and households are expected to remain somewhat hesitant and only gradually test the waters. Once business and consumer confidence fully return following available medical treatment or the passing of the pandemic, stronger economic growth will resume, and the economy will fully recover.”

The OEA predicts a sharp recession shorter than the Great Recession because the economy was relatively healthy before the pandemic, and because the federal response “has been swifter and more targeted than in recent cycles.”

Read the entire report and view the OEA’s presentation to lawmakers.

Proposals Due May 18 for Emergency Business Assistance Matching Funds | Emergency Board Receiving and Distributing CARES Act Funding | Temporary Law to Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic | Safe and Strong Oregon

Proposals Due May 18 for Emergency Business Assistance Matching Funds

Gov. Brown, the Oregon Legislature, and Business Oregon have partnered to provide $10 million in assistance to small businesses adversely affected by COVID-19-related economic conditions. Awards will be made to public entities (e.g., cities, counties, economic development districts, councils of governments) that have or will develop a business assistance program in response to the crisis and are able to meet funding program requirements.

Proposals are due to Business Oregon by 5 p.m. Friday, May 18. Among other requirements, a business must not have received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act or other federal program for emergency pandemic funding.

This is the first of three rounds of funding tied to this program. This round consists of $2.5 million, available up to a one-to-one match to funds in community programs to provide emergency economic assistance to local small businesses. Program awards made to public entities will be structured as forgivable loans.

Click to learn more, including program requirements, application process, and Business Oregon contact information.

Emergency Board Receiving and Distributing CARES Act Funding

The Legislature’s Emergency Board is currently moving through a procedural step that will allow it to formally receive federal funding and allocate it to eligible activities. The Emergency Board, which has the power to allocate state funds when the Legislature is not in session, expects to have about $50 million to distribute in this round. Entities in Oregon that are eligible to receive direct federal funding, such as hospitals, cities with populations over 500,000, and small business lending agencies, have already received available allotments.

Temporary Law to Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Legislature has not met in a special session, but the Joint Special Committee on Coronavirus Response has prepared Legislative Concept (LC) 29 to outline priority legislative actions to address the most urgent needs for Oregonians impacted by the global pandemic. The concept focuses on housing, food access, personal protective equipment, healthcare access, small businesses, utility assistance, court proceedings, and flexibility in local government processes. LC 29 does not include budget allocations. Read a summary of LC 29.

Safe and Strong Oregon

Gov. Brown’s plan to reopen Oregon relies on four key health metrics: a decline in new infections, availability of protective equipment for health care workers, enough hospital beds to treat victims of the disease, and sufficient testing and contact tracing.