URA Grant Program Encourages Measurable Economic Growth in La Grande

A recent Impact Assessment Report from the La Grande Urban Renewal Agency found that its grant programs are generating measurable economic growth.

By revitalizing downtown properties, supporting retail development, and encouraging higher-paying jobs, the program has produced several notable results, including:

• Excellent Return on Investment: For every $1 awarded through Urban Renewal Agency grants, property owners invested enough to generate approximately $6 in property value improvements
• Surging Job Growth: Businesses at grant-awarded properties increased employment by 21%, which is 3x faster than the overall area growth rate of 7%
• Rapidly Expanding Tax Base: Tax revenue within the Urban Renewal Area is growing at an average annual rate of 7.5%. This growth outpaces both the City of La Grande and Union County and ranks the URA among the top third of comparable urban renewal districts in Oregon

Combined, these results show a positive cycle in action: property improvements attract investment, businesses grow, jobs are created, and the tax base expands.

Plans involve a continuous investment in the remaining underdeveloped properties that offer the greatest potential for growth. 

By focusing our resources where they can have the biggest impact, the community can build on this success and create even greater long-term value.

Growth Driven by New Investment, Not Rising Property Values

Because Oregon's property tax laws are designed to limit how much tax revenue can increase from existing properties each year, the Urban Renewal Agency can only generate substantial new revenue when properties are developed or significantly improved.

La Grande’s Urban Renewal Area achieved an average annual tax revenue growth of 7.5%, ranking it among Oregon's stronger-performing urban renewal districts.

And unlike some communities where growth was driven by a single large project, La Grande's growth came from many smaller investments throughout the district.

This shows that urban renewal is creating new property value and expanding the tax base, rather than relying on the limited growth that would naturally occur over time.

Call for Projects Grants Offered Annually

Although the application period for the 2026 Call for Projects closed on May 15, the program is typically offered annually.

Property owners and businesses within La Grande’s Urban Renewal District may be eligible to apply for matching grants to help pay for:  

• Building improvements
• Redevelopment projects
• Business expansions that create jobs, increase property values, and strengthen La Grande's tax base

If you have any questions about the program or plan on applying during the next Call for Projects cycle, please contact the City of La Grande Economic Development team. 

Photo courtesy of La Grande URA.