For Economic Development Committee Meeting November 19, 2026
TO: Honorable Economic Development Committee Members
FROM: Christina Taylor, Community Development Director
...Title
Discussion on Business Incentive Programs
...Body
BACKGROUND
Community Development staff has been working to establish a comprehensive Economic Development Incentive Program for business attraction, retention, expansion, and revitalization of the City’s downtown.
The objective is to create a flexible, performance-based incentive framework that allows Rialto to compete for new businesses, encourage reinvestment in existing commercial properties, support local entrepreneurs, and revitalize Downtown Rialto.
Initially staff has outlined four incentive programs, each with its own eligibility requirements, funding limits, and measurable economic benefits.
These programs should emphasize:
• Attracting new restaurants, retail establishments, and employment-generating businesses.
• Revitalizing Downtown Rialto and activating vacant commercial buildings.
• Supporting existing small businesses and encouraging business expansion.
• Leveraging private investment while limiting the City's financial exposure.
The following are proposed programs for consideration:
• Restaurant and Retail Attraction Incentive Program
• Small Business Assistance, Modernization and Adaptive Reuse Grant Program
• Downtown Outdoor Dining Activation and Assistance Program
• Façade Improvement Program
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Each of the programs will have their own application process and program guidelines. A scoring matrix can be incorporated into the program for competitive evaluation or awards can be based on applicants meeting the eligibility requirements. The programs could be structured to allow a business to participate in more than one program. A brief summary for each program is provided below, and the program overviews are included as attachments to this report.
Restaurant and Retail Attraction Incentive Program
This program is intended to attract new dining and retailers into the downtown area. It incentivizes businesses to occupy vacant or underutilized spaces by assisting in funding tenant improvements, commercial kitchen equipment, fire and life-safety upgrades and other components needed for business operations.
Small Business Assistance, Modernization and Adaptive Reuse Grant Program
This program is proposed to be available Citywide and is intended to assist existing small businesses with improvements necessary to remain competitive through addressing physical deficiencies or modernizing operations. By offering this assistance, it encourages rehabilitation or reuse of vacant or underutilized buildings throughout the city. It also encourages businesses to remain in the city.
Downtown Outdoor Dining Activation and Assistance Program
This program is focused on the downtown area and specifically intended to help businesses create outdoor dining spaces. The program would include financial assistance for small-scale assistance which would include items such as outdoor dining furniture, umbrellas and planters or large-scale assistance which would include permanent patios, decorative fencing, shade structures or other permanent fixtures and improvements. This program would also include a streamlined process, and single-point of contact with staff.
Downtown Rialto Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program
This program is intended to encourage investment in downtown by providing funding to improve the appearance, functionality, and marketability of existing commercial properties.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Economic Development Committee hold discussion on proposed business incentive programs and provide comments to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
Restaurant and Retail Attraction Incentive Program
Small Business Assistance, Modernization and Adaptive Reuse Grant Program
Downtown Outdoor Dining Activation and Assistance Program
Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program