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H-GAC provides this list of regional, state, federal, and private resources for envisioning, enhancing, and supporting vibrant downtown areas. All content, including links to other websites, is for informational purposes only. Users of this content are responsible for checking its accuracy, currency, and suitability. If you know of a great resource to add to the list, please let us know.
Resources
Power of Praise - Texas Downtown Association Conference Presentation
At the 2026 Texas Downtown Annual Conference, Andrea Tantillo, Principal Communications Coordinator at Houston-Galveston Area Council, shared how a thoughtfully designed awards program can celebrate local investment while generating organic publicity and strengthening community partnerships.
Drawing from H-GAC’s proven Parks and Natural Awards Awards program, attendees explored how to choose a focus, attract nominations, engage partners, and launch a program - even with limited resources.
Takeaways included practical ideas for turning recognition into momentum and inspiring local businesses, partners, and community champions to help amplify owntown stories.
Revitalization & Design
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The Texas Main Street Program provides technical assistance, resources, and other support for preservation and revitalization of downtown areas in designated Main Street communities.
DowntownTX.org is an online building database for local governments to attract entrepreneurs and investors.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a range of Community Development Resources from downtown revitalization support to rural tourism guidance.
The Small Town and Rural Design Guide offers best practices for the design and construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities in small towns and rural communities.
The Citizen’s Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) shares resources for rural communities through annual community design workshops and webinars.
Smart Growth America released (Re)Building Downtown: A Guidebook for Revitalization to inspire local communities to take action in creating and maintaining vibrant downtown spaces.
Housing and Transportation
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a number of Rural Housing Resources for funding, technical assistance other support.
The Every Place Counts Leadership Academy from the U.S. Department of Transportation gives tools for community members to influence the transportation decision-making process.
Historic Preservation
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The Certified Local Government Program of the Texas Historical Commission works with communities that have a dedicated preservation program, offering both grants and resources.
The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program of the Texas Historical Commission funds the restoration of the State’s older courthouses.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council prepared a set of regional, state and national Historic Preservation Resources.
Local Business Support
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Google’s Get Your Business Online initiative helps small and local companies grow their online presence for free
Offering low-cost, fixed-rate loans to support small business creation and expansion, economic development, and job growth.
General Funding
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The USDA maintains a searchable Rural Federal Funding Database that spans multiple departments and agencies and also offers A Guide to Funding Resources for smaller rural communities.
Grants.gov provides a clearinghouse of all available grant opportunities from the federal government.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) maintains a list of federal grant opportunities available domestically.
Offering low-cost, fixed-rate loans to support small business creation and expansion, economic development, and job growth.