Background
The City’s Two-Year Action Plan outlines All-In Initiatives, which are identified as the top and most important priorities for the community. One of the All-In Initiatives is Redevelopment, which includes Residential Reinvestment.
Earlier this year, staff conducted data-driven research to identify key issues within Sugar Land neighborhoods that could be addressed through City outreach and pilot programs. Much of the data provided insight into Sugar Land’s aging neighborhoods, housing, and curb appeal elements. In addition, staff conducted research on other cities’ residential reinvestment programs and interviewed program administrators.
Supported by this research, staff has designed and is proposing residential reinvestment programs under the umbrella of “Great Homes”, a residential reinvestment initiative. The purpose of Great Homes is to empower Sugar Land residents and communities to participate with the City in preserving, protecting, and enhancing Sugar Land’s single-family housing and neighborhood areas.
On December 6, 2022, a City Council workshop was held to review and discuss the residential reinvestment pilot programs and initiatives under Great Homes, and staff received feedback from City Council.
Great Homes Design Program
The Great Homes Design Program provides Sugar Land homeowners and community-based organizations, such as homeowner associations (HOAs), with a creative, re-envisioned exterior home design at a Sugar Land-exclusive cost. Homeowners who substantially implement at least one qualifying exterior incentive to their home within six months of receiving an exterior home design through the program may be eligible to receive a one-time rebate check from the City.
A request for qualifications (RFQ) was released on December 7, 2022, to select a firm/team to work with the City of Sugar Land to provide exterior home design services to program participants. Submissions were due on December 29, 2022. Three firms responded to the RFQ:
- Brick & Batten;
- Dzinly; and
- Restore Inc.
In January 2023, City staff conducted interviews with qualifying respondents, and two virtual exterior home design firms were selected to participate in the pilot program: (1) Brick & Batten; and (2) Dzinly.
The program includes property requirements. The program is available to single-family residential homes that are physically located in the City limits. Townhouses, multi-family buildings, condominiums, and commercial properties are not eligible. The property must also be current on taxes and insurance.
Homeowners and community-based organizations can apply to receive a voucher to receive a significant discount of exterior design services through the one of the two participating firms, as supplies last. Once a voucher application has been determined to be complete by program staff, program staff will deliver a voucher to the applicant within 30 days of approval.
Homeowners can also apply for a rebate up to $500 for a completed, qualifying exterior design project by submitting a rebate application to the City. To qualify for the rebate, exterior improvements must be completed within six months of an applicant receiving an exterior home design, and homeowners must submit a rebate application to the City within 90 days of the date a project is fully completed. The City will pay the rebate no later than three months after a rebate application has been determined to be complete by program staff.
Staff Recommendation
The Economic Development Department recommends that the City Council approve Resolution No. 22-57 adopting a City Council policy for a Great Homes Design Economic Development Program.