Interested in buying an e-bike and getting a rebate this year? Here's how it works:
- Fill out and submit this application.
- Get a voucher. Vouchers awarded after application window closes.
- Buy your e-bike and use the rebate! Rebate vouchers can be used to buy from any location, but the rebate is worth more at participating local bike shops. A list of participating bike shops will be listed on the vouchers when awarded.
The City of Durango and LPEA are committed to promoting the adoption of electric vehicles throughout our region. A key aspect of EV adoption is exploring the most cost-effective way to implement charging infrastructure for residents and businesses. The Level-1 Workplace Charging Grant is seeking interested community partners to explore the viability of level-1 charging in a workplace setting.
Funding amount: $10,000 per applicant site. Applicants may apply for up to two separate sites ($10,000 per site). No match funding is required, but applicants must be prepared to cover any project expenses that exceed $10,000 per site.
What is Level-1 Charging? Level-1 charging consists of providing a typical electrical outlet at a parking space and allowing drivers to use their own portable charging cables to plug in. While this type of charging is not particularly fast, it can still add 20-40 miles of range to a typical EV when plugged in over the course of an entire workday.
Why Level-1 Charging at Workplaces? As EV charging becomes more commonplace, LPEA faces the challenge of continuing to provide reliable electricity in line with its adopted renewable energy goals. By increasing EV charging during the day, more of the power going to EV charging can be derived from solar PV. Additionally, daytime EV charging shifts electrical load away from peak evening hours – unlike residential charging which adds directly to evening peaks. Furthermore, level-1 charging infrastructure can be installed at a fraction of the cost of Level-2 or DC fast charging.
Additional resources provided through the program: In addition to grant funding, the City of Durango and LPEA staff are available to provide advising on project design and parking management best practices. LPEA will also supply monitoring hardware and assist with its setup to give business owners clear visibility into how much power their chargers are using, independent of the rest of the business's energy consumption.
The Charge Ahead Colorado grant program is a separate EV charging grant program administered by the Colorado Energy Office, focused on Level-2 and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) charging. City of Durango staff can advise applicants on how these programs may be a consideration for their site.
Goals
- Enhance the unique character of Durango's Character Districts.
- Support Durango business and property owners.
- Catalyze economic activity while building the tax base.
Overview
The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $5000 for improvements to properties which are visible from the public right-of-way. This incentive program allows the City to help local businesses while leveraging private investment to achieve the goals of the Durango Districts Initiative. Through the Durango Districts initiative, the community will create a unique vision and plan for 10 different mixed-use areas. These community created visions will guide future development allowing the City to be proactive versus reactive as our City experiences growth pressures.
Currently, some of the buildings and properties in the Districts are in need of investment. This grant invites businesses and property owners to help achieve the community vision for these areas by joining the effort to revitalize these essential corridors.
Program Summary & Eligibility
- The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant. The City’s match may be a maximum of $5,000. Improvements must be visible from the public right-of-way and contribute to the unique character of the District. This is a reimbursement grant and payments will be made to property owners after the work is completed. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and all applications must be submitted before November 1st. Projects must be completed by year end. Applications are reviewed by City staff and the final decision is made by Durango's City Council.
Evaluation Guidelines
Funds are awarded based on professional design concepts and distributed after the project is completed. Staff and Durango City Council will evaluate applications based on:
- Overall impact
- Compatibility & advancement of Design Guidelines
- Visual impact from right of way
- Quality of proposal
Eligible Participants
- Commercial and mixed-use property owners.
- Business owners with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and written approval from the property owner.
Examples of Eligible Projects
- Façade improvements such as awnings, windows, and adding appropriate exterior materials
- New or updated signage
- Outdoor seating areas, performance venues, plazas, and other gathering spaces
- Sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ADA compliant ramps
- Landscaping including street trees
- Exterior painting and murals
- Professional Services (i.e. Artists, Architects)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RE:NEW grant?
The RE:NEW Grant is a 1:1 matching grant of up to $5,000 for improvements to buildings or properties which are visible from the public right-of-way. This program is available to businesses and property owners. The goal of this program is to incentivize and leverage private improvements in order to enhance the character of the district.
Who can apply for funding?
- Commercial and mixed-use property owners located in the one of Durango's Character Districts.
- Business owners with a minimum of two years remaining on their lease and approval from the property owner.
What type of improvements are eligible?
New Projects - This program is only available for new projects. Applications must be submitted prior to the start of the project.
- Projects that are visible from the public right of way. Can a pedestrian see these improvements walking down the sidewalk?
- Façade improvements such as awnings, windows, and adding appropriate exterior materials
- New or updated signs
- Outdoor seating areas, performance venues, plazas or other gathering spaces
- Sidewalks, curbs, gutter, ADA compliant ramps
- Landscaping including street trees
- Exterior paint and murals
- All projects must comply with the City of Durango’s Design Guidelines and applicable land use standards.
Evaluation Guidelines
Funds are awarded based on professional design concepts and distributed after the project is completed. Staff and Durango City Council will evaluate applications based on:
- Overall impact
- Compatibility with and advancing goals of the Design Guidelines
- Visual impact
- Quality of proposal
How does the application process work?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from January 1st to November 1st or until grant funds run out. All projects must be completed by December 31st. Grants are reviewed and approved at the City Council meetings. City Councils meets every 2 weeks. Applications must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior for review (Example: To be on the agenda of the June City Council meeting, you would need to submit your application by May 15th).
Process:
- Pre-application meeting to determine eligibility
- Business or property owner submits an application
- Staff reviews the application for eligibility and completeness
- City Council reviews and determines funding
- Business or property owner completes the project
- Business or property owner requests reimbursement by providing receipts and photos of completed work
- Staff reviews and processes the reimbursement request. Reimbursements can take up to 30 days
How does the funding work?
This is a matching grant, meaning for every $1 the applicant pays, the City of Durango will pay $1, with a maximum grant contribution of $5000. This is also a reimbursement grant. Applicants will not receive the funding until all the work is completed and receipts are provided. After a reimbursement request is filed, it can take up to 30 days to receive funding.
Are there any Design Guidelines?
- The City of Durango has Commercial Design Guidelines for applicants to follow:
- In addition all projects must comply with Land Use and Development Code.
- For information pertaining to signs and sign permits go to:
What happens after a project is selected for funding?
Projects awarded funding from the RE:NEW Grant must be completed within 90 days of approval - unless otherwise approved by the City Council. All projects must be completed by December 31st . The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and ensuring the work is in compliance with City code.
Submitting Applications
- Note all applications are due by 4:00 pm on the 15th of each month.
- Applications are open from January 1 to November 1.
- Submit all applications using the online form.
Additional questions?
Email: tommy.crosby@durangoco.gov or call 970-375-4855
This program incentivizes local residents, businesses, and organizations to replace unnecessary turf grass with native and natural landscaping in order to help conserve water. The program is designed to help existing properties align with City of Durango design guidelines and state legislation regarding right-of-way landscaping as well as support state-wide efforts to track and better understand the outcomes of turf grass replacement.
This form must be submitted and your application must receive approval BEFORE your begin your project!
Rebates cannot be put towards any costs incurred before approval.
Please note that you will receive email updates regarding your application from notifications@email.submittable.com. Please be sure to check your email junk filter to make sure these messages are not being blocked.
2025 Lodgers' Tax: Arts and Culture Grant Application
Welcome to the City of Durango Lodgers' Tax: Arts and Culture Grant Application. The City of Durango is proud to support arts and cultural initiatives that enrich our community’s vibrancy, creativity, and character. Funded by a portion of the City’s lodgers' tax, this grant program is designed to assist projects that promote arts, culture, and heritage experiences for residents and visitors alike. All applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility guidelines and funding priorities before submitting. Grant awards are reimbursement-based and must be used within the approved project timeline. Please complete each section thoroughly, providing clear and detailed responses. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered. We look forward to learning more about your project and its potential impact on our thriving Durango community.
Evaluation Criteria
- Quality of project – were you happy with the quality of the project?
- Creativity – is this a new event or a continuing project?
- DEI components: Is the project created by/for, available, accessible, marketed to, and attended by multiple cultures, age demographics, and communities?
- Community Engagement – How will this project engage various cohorts of our community?
- Collaboration – Who did you partner with for this event?
- Off-Season impact – Does the project take place outside of the summer months?
- Duration – Is this a one-time event, permanent, or temporary project? How will it be maintained?
- Environmental sustainability – Does the project abide by and respect community efforts for environmentally sustainable activities?
- Local Economic Impact– Does the project demonstrate a clear plan to keep grant funds circulating within the local community by prioritizing local suppliers, artists, and businesses?
Application Checklist:
- Approval and/or permits for location and activities (liquor, special event, etc.).
- Detailed budget with other sources of income of resources.
- Resume of lead applicant and team members.
- Detailed Timeline.
- Visuals to help understand the project.
Visit the LTAC Grant page on the City's website for FAQ's, resources, tips, and more!
Enter your organization's Legal name, EIN, or UEI below. This will link your application to your organization's IRS or SAM.gov portal. If you prefer, you can also click "Skip" to proceed directly to the application.