RUCA Program

At the request of the City Council in 2006, Planning staff looked at struggling urban commercial areas throughout the city, known as Revitalizing Urban Commercial Areas (RUCAs) (RUCA map [pdf]) Phase I (Phase I Projects [pdf]). Staff prepared recommendations for public improvements, regulatory changes, and financial incentives to help revive these areas. The City Council committed 1.5 million dollars for the improvement of these locations. (Follow this link to a summary of the program, Phase I. pdf)  

This RUCA assistance focused on public and private site improvements. A study prepared for the Council (see RUCA Study [pdf]) identified twelve (now 18) potential priority areas for assistance. The city selected three areas for the first round of assistance: Waughtown Street/Thomasville Road intersection, Liberty Street/14th Street, and Washington Park/Acadia neighborhood. The city partnered with 20 businesses willing to make improvements to their properties. 

The City Council has approved a second round of funding for 18 areas through a Phase II RUCA Program.  Phase II information [pdf] is now available.  Please review the tentative timeline and the summary of the program.  As the city moves forward, the Development Office will be in contact with businesses in those eligible areas.  Follow this link to the RUCA Handbook [pdf] and copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) [pdf].  Please review the information and if you have questions, call Ruben Gonzales for more information at (336)747-7474.

This property at 1713 N. Liberty Street was revitalized in part by the use of the RUCA
Program.                                                    

      1713 N. Liberty Street "BEFORE"                 1713 N. Liberty Street "AFTER"