The purpose of the program is to help municipalities of the Commonwealth in their efforts to revitalize their downtowns and commercial areas. Municipalities may apply to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) for certification to designate a defined downtown or other commercial area, as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After achieving such a designation, and achieving a commitment of local matching funds, businesses or individuals may apply to the EACC for refundable EDIP tax credits for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district. This subsequent application is to become a Certified Vacant Storefronts Project.
Certification for both the Districts and the Projects are competitive. The EACC may withhold approval or ask that an application be re-submitted. Some reasons for withholding approval include: the location is not in a high-need area; the municipality does not offer reasonable support for the program; the business does not fulfill a need or a void in the district; the submission does not fulfill the matching funds requirement; the petition does not demonstrate the municipality’s ability to effectively attract interest in the vacant storefronts; or if the EACC determines the application is not consistent with the purposes of the program for any other reason.
Applications and Guidelines
Municipal Vacant Storefront District Application: A municipality must create a district and have matching funds identified and available prior to any businesses being able to qualify as a project.
Municipal Vacant Storefront District Application
Vacant Storefront Project Application: After a district is created, interested businesses or individuals must submit an application by the posted deadline to be considered at the corresponding EACC meeting. MOBD will review the application and ensure that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of the EDIP.
Additional Resources
All application material is due to your Regional Director by 5pm on the date indicated below.
| EACC Meeting Date | Meeting Location | Application Due Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 21, 2023 |
Virtual |
August 16, 2023 | |
| December 14, 2023 | TBD | November 8, 2023 | |
| March 21, 2024 | TBD |
February 21, 2024 |
|
|
June 20, 2024 |
TBD |
May 15, 2024 |