Customized Incentive Packages

Tax Increment Financing

The City of Pontiac has designated certain defined areas of the city as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts. The TIF districts were established in order to attract private developers to areas that are in need of redevelopment. View a map of the current TIF districts (PDF).

Tax Increment Financing works by using increased tax revenues of a redevelopment area to fund improvements and incentives for rehabilitation. TIF induces development where it would not otherwise take place, which in turn creates employment opportunities and generates additional local and state tax revenue. This additional tax revenue is used to pay for improvements and incentives in the TIF district.

Downtown Pontiac Façade Improvement Grant

The City of Pontiac has established a Main Street Organization to create an atmosphere of historic charm and encourage the citizens and visitors of the city to spend time in downtown Pontiac and enjoy the architecture and unique shopping, entertainment, and living opportunities. To assist the property owners in revitalizing their shop fronts and to help recreate the original rich architecture of downtown, we have created a new program that will provide assistance in the form of a grant to encourage investment in Downtown Pontiac. A Façade Improvement Grant may be used for a variety of building façade rehabilitations, including painting, window or door repairs or replacements, or other façade improvement projects outlined under the “Eligible Projects” section of this application package. Funding and Administration Funding for Façade Improvement Grants will come from TIF. The administration and operation of the Program shall conform to all federal, state, and local codes and regulations. For more information on this grant, contact Downtown Pontiac.

Click here for the Facade Grant guidelines.

Click here for the application.

Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council Incentives

Building Improvement Grant

Building Improvement Grants, primarily from GLCEDC funds, are intended for small businesses that rehab vacant space or improve existing structures. A reimbursement, not exceeding $11,250 is provided for qualifying expenditures. 

Click here for more information and an application.

Economic Incentive Grant

The GLCEDC, with the assistance of Livingston County, provides Economic Incentive Grants to employers who create at least 10 jobs with a wage and benefit package of at least $34,148 per year and retain the positions for at least one year after creation. For more information about this opportunity, contact the GLCEDC directly.

Visit the GLCEDC website for more opportunities for other areas of Livingston County.

Property Tax Abatement

Throughout Livingston County, the GLCEDC has coordinated a property tax abatement plan adopted by 19 taxing bodies. Tax abatement applications are reviewed based upon employee wages and benefits, number of jobs created or retained, capital investment, and square footage. 

Click here for more information and an application.