Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s administration kicked off its pilot Residential Rental Rehabilitation Project. The endeavor offers up to $15,000 per dwelling unit to improve the quality and affordability of rental housing by funding upgrades such as energy-efficient doors and windows, providing additional insulation, roofing and foundation repairs, and other structural improvements.
“Our basic, human need to be housed cuts across all ages and income levels and unites us around a shared vision to protect and advance the health, safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life of every Lincoln resident,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird.
“The first phase of this project anticipates supporting improvements to 130 rental dwelling units in the south-of-downtown area, which inclues parts of both the Everett and Near South neighborhoods.”
The program and grants are primarily being funded through tax increment financing generated by improvements to the area. NeighborWorks Lincoln, a non-profit community housing development organization, will be responsible for monitoring and administering grant use.
Those taking part in the pilot project will be encouraged to use additional improvement programs that are available. The city is providing lead paint remediation, and community partners like Lincoln Electric System and Black Hills Energy are offering energy efficiency programs.