District 7 Councilwoman’s Statement on Façade Improvement Grant

Published on August 23, 2023

SAN ANTONIO(August 23, 2023) — The Economic and Workforce Development Committee voted to include several areas of District 7 for eligibility in the Façade Improvement Grant Program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Those grants help support aesthetic and functional upgrades for active small business spaces and associated building exteriors visible from the public right-of-way. At its inception, the Façade Improvement Grant Program did not include any areas of District 7. The District 7 Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito released the following statement:

“Shortly after joining Council, I was disappointed to see that no District 7 businesses were considered eligible or included in the Façade Improvement Grant Program. I asked for three vital business corridors in District 7 to be included for consideration:

• Jefferson Village: On this stretch of Donaldson, there are legacy restaurants and shops adjacent to the historic Jefferson High School, a National Register of Historic Places designated school. 
• Deco District: This corridor, which borders Districts 1 and 7, is home to many minority, women owned small businesses who would greatly benefit from this grant.
• St. Mary’s/Culebra Corridor: This area includes businesses that border Districts 5 and 7 and serve historic neighborhoods founded alongside St. Mary’s University.

It is pleasing to see the Committee voted to include these important areas of our city. This decision to include these essential areas into the Façade Improvement Grant Program is not just about beautification — it’s about respecting our history and investing in both our present and future. It’s exciting to see the opportunity for progress for these District 7 businesses that have the opportunity and right to apply for this grant.”

Applications are not yet being accepted for the newly added corridors. Those that are interested in more information can visit the Façade Improvement Grant Program’s website.