Medford Rolls Out Plan To Revitalize Storefronts

MEDFORD, MA — The city rolled out plans last week for a new incentive program for local business owners in a bid to revitalize older commercial districts and facilitate economic growth.

The 2022 Façade Improvement Program will reimburse improvements to storefronts for 10-15 businesses. This can include installation of awnings, signs or lighting, exterior painting, restoration and repair of exterior finishes and other improvements.

The program will be funded by Community Development Block Grants and Encore Boston Harbor mitigation funding provided to the city of Medford.

"We have been and will remain committed to supporting and assisting our small businesses in any way we can, especially as our community continues to recover from the impacts of the global pandemic on our local economy," Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn said in a statement. "A façade improvement program is just one more small but meaningful way we can provide resources to business owners where they may be needed. I am thankful to our economic development director, Viktor Schrader, and to our amazing team in the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability who continue to prioritize our small businesses who contribute so much to the Medford community."

More information on the program will be released in the coming months, with the initial round of grants expected to be announced in the spring of 2022. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact the Office of Planning, Development and Sustainability.

"Façade grant programs are a common and highly productive economic development tool because they help revitalize neighborhoods and support local businesses owners. It’s a real win-win. I look forward to working with our business owners, and to see the impact this program will have on our squares over time," said Schrader.