In September, Council approved a new Storefront Improvement Grant Program aimed at improving the overall look of storefronts and facades in Downtown, Midtown and Campustown. The program uses Tax Increment Finance funds and allows businesses and property owners to match City funds at a rate of 50% for the ground floor and 25% for the upper floor up to a max of $10,000 per building. Council budgeted $80,000 in the Downtown TIF and $30,000 in the East University Avenue TIF. To date $28,243 in grants have been awarded in Downtown leaving $51,756.50 remaining and $5,997.50 has been awarded in the East University Ave TIF (Midtown) leaving $24,002.50 remaining.