Urbana Gallery District Incentive Program

The City of Urbana is pleased to announce the creation of the Gallery District Incentive Program. This program provides guidelines whereby an art gallery owner and a building owner can jointly apply for rent subsidy within Tax Increment Finance District 1 (TIF 1) or Tax Increment Finance District 2 (TIF 2), which encompass most of downtown Urbana.

This program will provide art gallery businesses within the designated area a 12 month subsidy of up to 50% of the monthly rent amount, up to a maximum of $600 per month. The recipient must enter into at least a two-year lease agreement, and must submit a business plan evidencing the ability to pay the full monthly rental amount following the subsidy period.

Through this program, applicants may also request a $2,000 start-up grant to be used for costs associated with relocation, advertising, and tenant improvements.

Gallery District Incentive Program Guidelines (PDF File)

Tax Increment Finance Districts

Cinema Gallery and Heartland Gallery on Main Street, downtown Urbana

Heartland Gallery opens downtown using the Gallery District Incentive Program