Co-authored by NLC intern Sharon Glenn
Community Project Requests — previously referred to as “earmarks” — are one-time funding requests that can be spent over a one-year project period. Unlike traditional grant applications, which are submitted to federal agencies, cities submit a project proposal directly to their Senators and respective House Member.
In Mesa, Arizona, (pop. 504,258) Community Project funding is allowing the city to invest in downtown rehabilitation, revitalizing the historic core and supporting the city’s economic base.
This blog is based on an interview with the city.
The Project at a Glance
- Location: City of Mesa, Arizona
- Project: Downtown Small Business Revitalization and Rehabilitation Program
- Funding Source: Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations: Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (PDF)
- Funding Amount: $300,000
- Writer: City Staff
- Timeline: Grant applications will be released to the community in the coming months.
Community Need
Downtown Mesa has a large owner-operated business community made up of many small businesses, several of which have been around for 50 to 100 years. As the largest city in the country without a primary property tax, Mesa relies heavily on sales tax revenue to fund essential city services. To strengthen this revenue stream and revitalize the downtown area, local leaders have prioritized projects that support small businesses and reduce vacancy rates in historic downtown Mesa.
35 years ago, the city constructed colonnades, or covered walkways, on sidewalks in the downtown area to provide shade for pedestrians. While well-intentioned, the design was flawed. The colonnades are low and heavy, blocking visibility into storefronts. Because they are not attached to the buildings, they have also become a maintenance liability for the city.
“Our small businesses are what make downtown Mesa truly Uniquely Local. By peeling back outdated façades, we’re uncovering the unique architectural character of our storefronts and letting their history shine through. These improvements not only make downtown more welcoming and walkable, they also celebrate the creativity of our local entrepreneurs. This project is about honoring Mesa’s heritage while helping small businesses thrive, attracting more visitors and ensuring downtown remains a place we’re all proud to shop, dine and gather.”
– Councilmember Jenn Duff, District 4
In 2017, Mesa piloted a program using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, removing the colonnades from seven businesses. The results were dramatic: one participating business reported a 40% year-over-year increase in sales. Building on this success, removing the liability-filled colonnades is now a top priority for the city’s economic development team.
Funding in Action
The Community Project funding is providing $300,000 for the rehabilitation program, with the city contributing a $300,000 match from its general fund. Business owners will provide a small 5 percent match as program income that is reinvested back into the program and to ensure business buy-in.
Mesa has leveraged other resources, including State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, to fund previous phases of the project. Previous grant applications helped the city respond quickly when federal offices requested Community Project proposals for the first time in over a decade in 2022.
Impact on the Ground
The city’s facade improvement program has inspired downtown business owners to invest in their properties, knowing that the city is committed to revitalizing downtown. Residents are taking over dilapidated buildings, contributing to a flourishing local economy.
“Our entire city benefits from a thriving Downtown. When we invested in our façade improvement initiative, the goal was not only to improve the buildings but also to activate the area and create opportunities for small businesses to grow, attract new visitors and boast private investment. This is one of many ways Mesa partners with our entrepreneurs to strengthen our local economy and keep our downtown thriving for years to come.”
– Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman
Applications for the program will open soon. Although the Community Project is not yet underway, Mesa anticipates similar results to the pilot program: stronger sales for local businesses, increased sales tax revenue for city services and a shift of maintenance responsibility from the city to private property owners.
Mesa’s investment in facade improvements is more than a construction project: it’s a commitment to building a vibrant, sustainable downtown. By partnering with local businesses, the city is laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit the community for years to come.
Learn More
Explore NLC’s guide to tracking FY2026 Community Project Requests in Congress to help your city successfully navigate the process.
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