NICE Grants
Program Overview
New Improvement for Community Enhancement (NICE) Neighborhood Grants were adopted by Port Angeles City Council Resolution No. 5-04 on April 6, 2004. NICE Neighborhoods Grants can expand the City’s tax base through strategic, public capital investment in infrastructure for areas with high development and redevelopment potential. New investment and reduced infrastructure barriers can spur further development and redevelopment, therefore expanding the potential tax base of the City of Port Angeles.
NICE Neighborhoods Grants must be used for improvements to off-site frontage and off-site public infrastructure and facilities, focusing on upgrading inadequate infrastructure to support future development and redevelopment (Webpage last edited on March 27, 2026).
Program Application and Materials
Small Scale Projects (≤ $14,999):
The application must demonstrate the following:
1. For Housing Related Applications: The application must result in at least one of the following types of housing or have a demonstrated community benefit:
o Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
o Duplexes
o Triplexes
o Fourplexes
o Cottage Housing
o Caretaker Units
o Apartment Complexes
o Townhomes
o Multifamily Housing
o Group Homes
o Permanent Supportive Housing
o Transitional Housing
o Emergency Housing
o Adult Family Homes
o Single-family homes constructed through a recognized non-profit, local, state, or federal low-income homeownership program. Labor participation is required by the homeowner as part of these programs; those eligible include residents whose income is at 80% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) for Clallam County.
o Subdivisions creating four or more lots.
2. For Economic Development Related Applications: The application must either:
o Create a new business, or
o Expand an existing business within city limits.
3. For Sidewalk related Applications: The application must either:
o Fill a priority existing network gap on an arterial street or school walking route, or
o Address an item on City’s approved ADA Transition Plan to reduce accessibility barriers to the wider community.
4. Additional Criteria/Questions for All Applications:
o How the project promotes a return on public investment through strategic infrastructure placement.
o How does the project benefit the greater good of the community?
o Disclosure of any financial participation and leverage from other resources, such as private investment, grants, fees, LIDs, and other sources, if applicable.
o A detailed budget demonstrating that all costs are to cover infrastructure to be publicly owned upon completion.
Medium Scale Projects ($15,000 - $24,999):
The Housing Related Applications must demonstrate all “small-scale projects” requirements, as well as the following:
1. Demonstrate a further real increase in infill housing development and redevelopment because of this proposal.
2. The proposed housing development must accommodate at least three units or have a demonstrated community benefit.
The Economic development-related applications must demonstrate all “small-scale projects” requirements and must include improvements that benefit multiple businesses.
1. Demonstrate the total net economic benefit of a project.
2. Ensure the proposal meets the needs of the comprehensive plan and the needs of the affected neighborhood.
Utility related project applications must demonstrate the project provides a mutual benefit for the utility and is in the best interest of the City. For example, a looped water line which provides improved fire flow and water quality.
Large Scale Projects (≥ $25,000):
The application must demonstrate the “small and medium scale project” requirements, as well as the following:
1. How the project meets the intent of prioritizing improvements toward neighborhoods with development and redevelopment potential.
2. The project exceeds the minimum PAMC requirements for utility and street improvements commensurate to the proposed NICE grant amount.
3. Articulate where new potential development and redevelopment could occur because of this proposal.
4. Ensure that the proposed development meets the needs outlined in the comprehensive plan, as well as the specific needs of the neighborhood.
5. For Sidewalks/Transportation Related Applications:
o Sidewalks must not be “orphaned” and will connect one landmark or destination to another. For example, a sidewalk must connect a park entrance to existing housing development, a commercial business, a school, a transit stop, or an existing section of sidewalk.
o Sidewalk extensions and improvements must directly benefit four or more units or have a demonstrated community benefit.
o In the case of an economic development project, the improvement must benefit multiple businesses.
o A large-scale project will evaluate the total net economic benefit of a project.
6. For Improvements to Sewer, Stormwater Capacity, Water, and Electrical Utilities Related Applications:
o Improvements must directly benefit four or more units or have a demonstrated community benefit.
o In the case of an economic development project, the improvement must benefit multiple businesses.
o A large-scale project will evaluate the total net economic benefit of a project.
o Sewer improvements must benefit the wider community “downstream” or help with future housing/commercial density to be developed.
7. For Public Facility Related Applications:
o City facilities (including but not limited to pump stations, reservoirs, bridges, etc.)
o The City of Port Angeles can use NICE Neighborhood funds as a grant match for infrastructure-related grants.
Approved Project Procedures
Approved uses for funds include but are not limited to:
- Off-site frontage and off-site public infrastructure and facilities
- Transportation, Electrical, Water, Sewer and stormwater capacity improvements
All funding awards will be honored in accordance with the cost of development at the time of application unless the applicant can prove hardship. The CED Manager will make this determination.
Applicants are required to provide CED with a monthly written update on their project. The City will utilize these reports to monitor the recipient's performance by tracking project progress, overseeing compliance with NICE Neighborhoods fund requirements, and ensuring recordkeeping and audit requirements are met. Substandard performance, as determined by the CED Manager, will constitute noncompliance with the contract.
If the Recipient does not take action to correct such substandard performance within 60 days of the notification of non-compliance by the City, contract suspension or termination procedures may be initiated, and any funds remitted to the recipient will be returned to the City within 30 days.
- Download the NICE Neighborhoods Grant Application from the City’s website.
- Complete the application and attach all other required documentation.
Submit the completed application to the Department of Community and Economic Development via email: ced@cityofpa.us.
Application Procedures: City-managed projects will be selected through the annual Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) process. Non-city use of NICE Neighborhoods funds must be requested through an application to CED.
Applications to CED will be initially reviewed for completeness by the City’s Housing Administrator. Upon confirmation of completeness, small-scale projects will be reviewed for adherence to application criteria, and the CED Manager and City Engineer will make final decisions. Medium-scale projects follow the same review process as small-scale projects; however, the City Manager will review and make the final decisions regarding funding approval. Large-scale projects meeting the application criteria shall be evaluated for their overall public benefit, and a recommendation for approval may be forwarded to the City Council by the Utility Advisory Committee for utility related projects and the City Manager, via the Deputy City Manager and the Director of Public Works and Utilities. The City Engineer will be available at the request of the Public Works Director at City Council meetings regarding NICE applications concerning utilities and streets. The City Manager or their designee will sign all contracts. Approval levels will be consistent with the City’s Financial Policies.
- What are NICE Neighborhood Grants?
-
NICE Neighborhoods funds were created by adopting City Council Resolution No. 5-04 on April 6th, 2004. NICE Neighborhoods funds can expand the City’s tax base through strategic, public capital investment in infrastructure for areas with high development and redevelopment potential. New investment and reduced infrastructure barriers can spur further development and redevelopment, therefore expanding the potential tax base of the City of Port Angeles.
- Is my project eligible for a NICE Grant?
-
NICE Neighborhoods funds must be utilized for improvements of off-site frontage and off-site public infrastructure and facilities that focus on improving inadequate infrastructure to support future development and redevelopment. Projects must meet additional criteria determined by the amount of funding requested which is illustrated in the tiers below.
The Housing Administrator and other City Staff will evaluate program eligibility.
Small Scale Projects (≤ $14,999):
The application must demonstrate one of the following:
1. For Housing Related Applications: The application must result in at least one of the following types of housing or have a demonstrated community benefit:
o Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
o Duplexes
o Triplexes
o Fourplexes
o Cottage Housing
o Caretaker Units
o Apartment Complexes
o Townhomes
o Multifamily Housing
o Group Homes
o Permanent Supportive Housing
o Transitional Housing
o Emergency Housing
o Adult Family Homes
o Single-family homes constructed through a recognized non-profit, local, state, or federal low-income homeownership program. Labor participation is required by the homeowner as part of these programs; those eligible include residents whose income is at 80% or below the Area Median Income (AMI) for Clallam County.
o Subdivisions creating four or more lots.
2. For Economic Development Related Applications: The application must either:
o Create a new business, or
o Expand an existing business within city limits.
3. For Sidewalk related Applications: The application must either:
o Fill a priority existing network gap on an arterial street or school walking route, or
o Address an item on City’s approved ADA Transition Plan to reduce accessibility barriers to the wider community.
4. Additional Criteria/Questions for All Applications:
o How the project promotes a return on public investment through strategic infrastructure placement.
o How does the project benefit the greater good of the community?
o Disclosure of any financial participation and leverage from other resources, such as private investment, grants, fees, LIDs, and other sources, if applicable.
o A detailed budget demonstrating that
Medium Scale Projects ($15,000 - $24,999):
The Housing Related Applications must demonstrate all “small-scale projects” requirements, as well as the following:
1. Demonstrate a further real increase in infill housing development and redevelopment because of this proposal.
2. The proposed housing development must accommodate at least three units or have a demonstrated community benefit.
The Economic development-related applications must demonstrate all “small-scale projects” requirements and must include improvements that benefit multiple businesses.
1. Demonstrate the total net economic benefit of a project.
2. Ensure the proposal meets the needs of the comprehensive plan and the needs of the affected neighborhood.
Utility related project applications must demonstrate the project provides a mutual benefit for the utility and is in the best interest of the City.
Large Scale Projects (≥ $25,000):
The application must demonstrate the “small and medium scale project” requirements, as well as the following:
1. How the project meets the intent of prioritizing improvements toward neighborhoods with development and redevelopment potential.
2. The project exceeds the minimum PAMC requirements for utility and street improvements commensurate to the proposed NICE grant amount.
3. Articulate where new potential development and redevelopment could occur because of this proposal.
4. Ensure that the proposed development meets the needs outlined in the comprehensive plan, as well as the specific needs of the neighborhood.
5. For Sidewalks/Transportation Related Applications:
o Sidewalks must not be “orphaned” and will connect one landmark or destination to another. For example, a sidewalk must connect a park entrance to existing housing development, a commercial business, a school, a transit stop, or an existing section of sidewalk.
o Sidewalk extensions and improvements must directly benefit four or more units or have a demonstrated community benefit.
o In the case of an economic development project, the improvement must benefit multiple businesses.
o A large-scale project will evaluate the total net economic benefit of a project.
6. For Improvements to Sewer, Stormwater Capacity, Water, and Electrical Utilities Related Applications:
o Improvements must directly benefit four or more units or have a demonstrated community benefit.
o In the case of an economic development project, the improvement must benefit multiple businesses.
o A large-scale project will evaluate the total net economic benefit of a project.
o Sewer improvements must benefit the wider community “downstream” or help with future housing/commercial density to be developed.
7. For Public Facility Related Applications:
o City facilities (including but not limited to pump stations, reservoirs, bridges, etc.)
o The City of Port Angeles can use NICE Neighborhood funds as a grant match for infrastructure-related grants.
- What are the benefits of NICE Grants?
-
Increased Development Opportunity: These funds remove barriers to development by strategically upgrading off-site infrastructure that previously prohibited development from occurring.
Reduced Development Costs: These funds reduce development costs by alleviating the burden of off-site improvements for qualifying development.
- What is the application process?
-
- Download a NICE Neighborhoods grant application from the City’s website.
- Complete the grant application and attach all other required documentation.
- Submit the completed grant application to Community and Economic Development via ced@cityofpa.us.
City-managed projects will be selected through the annual Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) process. Non-City use of NICE Neighborhoods funds must be requested through an application to CED.
Applications to CED will be initially reviewed for completeness by the City’s Housing Administrator. Upon confirmation of completeness, small-scale projects will be reviewed for adherence to application criteria, and the CED Manager and City Engineer will make final decisions. Medium-scale projects follow the same review process as small-scale projects; however, the City Manager will review and make the final decisions regarding funding approval. Large-scale projects meeting the application criteria shall be evaluated for their overall public benefit, and a recommendation for approval may be forwarded to the City Council by the Utility Advisory Committee for utility related projects and the City Manager, via the Deputy City Manager and the Director of Public Works and Utilities. The City Engineer will be available at the request of the Public Works Director at City Council meetings regarding NICE applications concerning utilities and streets. The City Manager or their designee will sign all contracts. Approval levels will be consistent with the City’s Financial Policies.
- Is there a cap for funding requests?
-
There are three tiers for funding requests $14,999 or less, $15,000 – $24,999, and $25,000 or more. Any request exceeding $25,000 will need to meet all specified requirements as well as city council approval but there is no limit.
- I still have questions. Who can I contact for more information?
-
Please email the City’s Housing Administrator Jalyn Boado, at jboado@cityofpa.us. You can also schedule an appointment with a planner by visiting www.cityofpa.us/BookAMeeting.