Vibrant streetscapes, well-maintained properties, and active business corridors are hallmarks of a thriving community and a strong local economy. In Oxford, we are proud of the character and energy that define our community, and we recognize the opportunity to further enhance areas where properties may be underutilized or in need of improvement. 

Oxford has a range of effective tools to support this effort, including code enforcement, civil fines, and economic incentives. By strategically leveraging these resources, we can strengthen property conditions, encourage reinvestment, and promote long-term vitality. 

To proactively reduce the number of underperforming properties and encourage positive momentum, the Community Improvement Corporation recommends a “carrot before the stick” approach. This philosophy is embodied in the Economic Activation Program, which prioritizes collaboration, incentives, and partnership to help property owners contribute to a more vibrant and prosperous Oxford. 

The City is offering two reimbursement grant programs and a revolving loan to help support businesses and property owners.Click here to skip to available business assistance programs.


The goals of the Economic Activation Program include: 

  • Improve physical conditions throughout the city, reduce blight, and inactivity.
  • Identify problem properties and assist property owners in identifying code violations.
  • Encourage the correction of identified code violations by establishing an amnesty period to address issues without penalty.
  • Incentivize the timely completion of development projects by promoting financial incentives to qualifying projects.
  • Robust code enforcement and fine collection following the amnesty period.  

What is the Economic Activation Program? 

  • The Economic Activation Program is a 16-month program (May 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027) designed to promote capital improvements and code compliance throughout the City of Oxford. 
  • The program creates a period of fee amnesty by suspending all penalties related to violations of local regulations in an effort to spark capital investment and economic vitality in Oxford.
    • Note: Code violations that are egregious or pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the Oxford community are not eligible for amnesty under this program.
  • The Economic Activation Program hinges upon four core pillars.
    • Identify and record all known poorly maintained, underutilized, or inactive properties in the Mile Square and commercial zones. Trash/litter/garbage code violations, on their own, are not a target of this program.
    • Inform property owners and provide support for improvement.
    • Incentivize swift completion of associated projects by providing both a period of fee amnesty, as well as potential for financial assistance.
    • Enforce any outstanding Code infractions following the amnesty period.  

 

Identification of Eligible Properties in Oxford 

The first step in the process is a robust effort by City staff to identify and record existing poorly maintained, underutilized, or inactive properties in the Mile Square and commercial areas. Furthermore, the program will include all property types, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use in this defined area. 

To successfully complete this step. 

  • Community Development staff will complete inspections of properties with suspected violations.
    • Trash, rubbish, litter, outdoor storage, code violations are not targeted with this program and therefore will not cause properties to be eligible for fee amnesty or financial incentive.
  • Economic Development staff will identify underutilized or inactive properties.
  • Property owners may also self-identify and seek assistance with improvements to their properties, although bringing properties into compliance will be given first priority with funding incentives. 
  • Community Development staff will complete property inspections at properties where property owners request an inspection to help identify potential violations.
  • Community Development staff will complete citations and outline penalties as part of this identification period.
  • Records of violations and associated penalties will be maintained and tracked.
  • If this step proves to be overly burdensome to Community Development Staff, funding may be sought to hire temporary Code Enforcement staff to assist.
  • The City will create and publish virtual outlets for public participation to help identify potential violations.  

 

Informing Property Owners of Their Property Eligibility 

The second step will be to inform property owners of their property eligibility   Communication to property owners will outline the reason for the eligibility, such as but not limited to: maintenance conditions, inactivity, code violations, associated fines, and information regarding the amnesty period provided through the Economic Activation Program.  

 

To successfully complete this step. 

  • Owners will be notified by mail of their eligibility and Code violations at their property.
  • Mailers will be sent regarding known violations on May 1, 2026, additional mailers will be generated and sent as new violations are identified
    • Mailers will include language specific to the Code violation, explain the Economic Activation Program, including available support,  as well as outline penalties for violations that remain unaddressed.
    • All Code violations (both new and outstanding) are eligible for suspension of fines during the Economic Activation Program.
  • City Manager Department staff will assist the Community Development staff to inform property owners during this step.
  • City staff will coordinate with NIC to provide local access to qualified Building Officials and building plan reviews as part of the Inform process.
    • Dates and times for these consultations will be determined at a later date. 

 

Incentivizing Property Owners in the Timely Completion of Improvements at Their Property 

The third step will be to provide financial incentives for the timely completion of projects.   Property owners may have their fees suspended during the Economic Activation Program, and upon successful correction of Code violations, those fines may be waived.  Additional financial incentives may be available depending on factors such as the violation and project scope. 

Any property owner who accepts financial assistance from the City as part of this program will enter into a development agreement outlining expectations and timelines.  

Potential financial incentives include 

  • Revolving Loan Fund “Improvement and Retention Loans”
    • Through this existing program, we will offer loans up to $10,000 at 1% interest and a 60-month repayment term to help fund capital projects.
    • Property and business owners may coordinate to apply for these loans if a business is operating in a building owned by another party.
    • Applications are reviewed by the CIC and recommended to Council for funding.
  • Capital Improvement Grants 
    • Oxford has an existing “Façade and Sustainability” reimbursement grant.
      • This program provides grants for capital projects that include either an environmental sustainability element or façade improvement.
      • These grants can provide up to 50% of project costs, to a $5,000 total cap while funds last.
      • Property and business owners may coordinate to apply for grants if a business is operating in a building owned by another party.
      • Applications are reviewed by the CIC and recommended to Council for funding.
  • For larger projects that include aspects such as significant capital investment, site development, etc. additional grant sources may be sought.
    • The Butler County Land Bank, Butler County Finance Authority, and Ohio Department of Development have a variety of grant programs available.
    • Depending on the project, Economic Development staff may assist in the completion of applications to outside funding sources.
    • The City may also explore new grant funding programs promoted and administered through the CIC for larger projects with significant impact.
  • Potential fee waivers for permit applications, utility tapping, etc.
    • Projects may also qualify waiver of various fees, as approved by the Community Development department.
    • Fee waivers will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.
  • Financial incentives may be “stacked” to create more financial support for projects.
    • City grants may not be used to provide funds for loan repayment
    • Loans may not be used to create matching funds as part of grant requirements.  


To successfully complete this step. 

  • Property owners will be notified of the various financial incentive programs by Economic Development staff.
    • Notices of available incentives will be included in the Certified Mailers, as described in the Inform phase of the Economic Activation Program.
  • Property owners will be provided with appropriate application materials.
    • Application materials will be provided electronically via email and linked on the City of Oxford website.
  • Economic Development staff will monitor and promote any appropriate outside financial incentive programs that property owners may be eligible to apply.  

Enforce Code Violations on all Properties Within the City of Oxford 

The fourth and final step will be rigorous enforcement of Code violations within the City of Oxford following the amnesty period provided by the Economic Activation program. After diligent efforts to Identify, Inform, and Incentivize Code compliance, the City will take a strong position of enforcement for any outstanding or emerging Code violations. When necessary, the City will seek to take legal action or assess the property taxes of sites that remain in violation.  

Community Development and Economic Development staff will work together to maintain a list of all Code violations identified during the Economic Activation Program, including Code violations and project status.  

To successfully complete this step. 

  • City staff will maintain records of all properties with Code violations as discovered during and prior to the Identify step.
  • City staff will record completed projects and inform property owners of compliance.
  • City staff will notify property owners that they remain in violation, first by a 90-day notice on June 2, 2027, then again of failure to comply on September 30, 2027.
  • Any Code violation not successfully addressed, or any project not fully completed, by August 31, 2027, runs the risk of not qualifying for amnesty from fines and fees assessed due to Code violations. 

 

Project Scenarios and Funding Examples 

  1. Scenario #1: Small project to repaint the exterior at an Uptown Business location.
    1. Local business owner/contractor works with City of Oxford to permit the project.
      1. Community Development Department to identify appropriate paint colors in historic district.
      2. City Manager staff assist with Public Right-of-Way permit for sidewalk closure.
    2. Total project costs $4,500
      1. Business owner applies for Façade and Sustainability Grant through CIC.
      2. Application is approved and provides $2,250 in funding, reimbursed when business owners provide documentation of a paid invoice following
  2. Scenario #2: The use of a property is prohibited by the Zoning Code, and the building or site has been altered without permission from the City.
    1. Local business owner/contractor works with the City to restore the property or building to proper use/condition. This could include exterior condition building repair, such as but not limited to the replacement of boarded up windows with actual windows.
    2. If there is a Zoning Code violation for the use, the City works with the owner to seek Zoning approval. If the Zoning approval is not approved within the program time, the owner agrees to return the use to a permitted use. The City assists with the fees and staff time in seeking approval that may ultimately be denied. The owner agrees to restore the site to its previous condition. The owner agrees to fund at least a portion of the restoration. This could include but not limited to the removal of unauthorized stored materials, unauthorized paving or gravel.
  3. Scenario #3: Business needs to demolish and rebuild an outdoor patio dining area.
    1. Local business owner/contractor works with City of Oxford to permit the project.
      1. Community Development Department on permitting, engineering, etc.
    2. Total project costs $25,000
      1. Business owner applies for a Revolving Loan Fund loan
        1. Application is approved and provides a $10,000, 60-month loan at 1% interest ($168.34/month payments).
      2. Business owner applies for Façade and Sustainability Grant through CIC.
        1. Application is approved and provides $5,000 in funding. 
      3. Project was able to qualify for funding under both programs due to total project costs and outcomes aligning with program rules.
        1. $25,000 total project costs, with $10,000 in costs covered by RLF.
        2. $15,000 remaining project costs supported by Facade and Sustainability grant program with a grant award at the $5,000 cap.
        3. Business owners cover $10,000 immediate out-of-pocket funding.
      4. Successful project completion.
  4. Scenario #4: Property is identified as a public safety hazard, due to a voluntary, involuntary or natural hazard such as but not limited to: collapsed building, an open and unsecure building, a fire-damaged building. 
    1. No amnesty is provided.
  5. Scenario #5: Property is underutilized.
    1. In a Historic District and has potential for re-investment or adaptive re-use and may be eligible for historic tax credits. In need of historic architecture consultation.
    2. Outside a Historic District and has potential for adaptive re-use. In need of architectural, building code or engineering consultation to determine the feasibility of improvements.
    3. Regardless of Historic District status, the property is in a key location for redevelopment but contains potential “brownfield” characteristics, and/or contains remnants of prior uses or buildings that are costly to remove and prepare for future development. Requires urban planning/design consultation in order to determine feasibility for redevelopment.
  6. Scenario #6: Business needs to resurface a 12,000 square-foot parking lot.
    1. Local business owner/contractor works with City of Oxford to permit the project.
      1. Community Development Department on permitting, engineering, etc.
    2. Total project costs $70,000
      1. Business owner applies for a Revolving Loan Fund loan
        1. Application is approved and provides a $10,000, 60-month loan at 1% interest ($168.34/month payments).
      2. Business owner applies for Façade and Sustainability Grant through CIC.
        1. Application is denied as not aligning with program rules/values  


Business Assistance Programs


Reimbursement Matching Grant Programs 

The City of Oxford is offering two reimbursement grant programs to help support local businesses and property owners by supplying funds for capital improvement projects at commercial sites in Oxford. 

Façade & Sustainability Grant Program
The Façade & Sustainability reimbursement matching grant program is designed for existing businesses in Oxford that complete specific capital improvement projects. Projects eligible for funding under this program include those that improve a business’s streetscape, energy efficiency, or similar scope. The program can provide up to 50% of project expenses, up to a $5,000 cap for individual projects. 

View Façade & Sustainability Program Details


Demolition & Site Readiness Grant Program
The Demolition & Site Readiness reimbursement matching grant program is available to assist property owners prepare commercial sites for future development. Funds can be utilized for projects such as; removing structures, clear debris, or preparing a site for a development project. The program can provide up to 50% of project expenses, to a $10,000 cap for individual projects. 

Additional information about these grant programs is available via the FAQ forms included with in this packet. 

View Demolition & Site Readiness Program Details


Revolving Loan Fund Program 
The Improvement & Retention Low Interest Loan program is designed for existing business owners planning capital improvement projects under $10,000.  This program is available only to businesses operating in a physical location within the City of Oxford for at least one full calendar year.  This program does not have a requirement to create new jobs. 

View Improvement & Retention Low Interest Loan Program Details



View Other Business Assistance Programs: