Local Incentives

The City of Lewiston recognizes the benefits of and is committed to the promotion of quality development and redevelopment in all parts of the city and to improving the quality of life for its citizens.  It is the intent of the city to offer economic development incentives on an individual basis so that any package can be designed for that specific business.

The city offers two incentive programs:

I. Economic & Community Development Incentive Program (Business Expansion/Recruitment Incentive) Summary

Purpose: 

The City of Lewiston will consider providing incentives for the retention and/or expansion of any existing businesses and encourage the establishment of new businesses within the city limits. 

Eligibility:

1. The applicant must commit to a project that will benefit the public. Projects may include: 
   1. new or improved public utility infrastructure;
   2. new or improved roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, parking lots, parks, or open spaces;
   3. rehabilitation of a historic building;
   4. removal of blighted areas or slum clearance;
   5. protection and conservation of public health;
   6. elimination of crime.
2. Within 12 months of issuance of certificate of occupancy, the business shall provide 15 full time employment positions. 
3. The average wage shall be double the minimum wage or 50% of the median family income by Housing and Urban Development for Nez Perce County. 
4. The applicant must also provide medical, dental and vacation benefits. 
5. If the applicant proposes: 
   1. to establish a new business in a building to be constructed by the applicant, the applicant should provide new capital investment equal to or in excess of $1.5 million dollars.
   2. to expand an existing business or establish a business in a building located in the city that has been vacant for at least one year, then the applicant shall provide new capital investment equal to or in excess of $500,000.

Availability:

The city offers as expedited permitting process and waiver of fees as incentive options. The incentive offered to each applicant will depend upon the needs of and the benefits created by the proposed project.

Application:

An application for the incentive program shall be submitted by the business owner to the Community Development department. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the incentive program before applying for permits. 

The Economic & Community Development Incentive Program application can be found here.

Evaluation:

The City Council takes into consideration:

• revenue benefit to the city,
• number and quality of jobs created,
• strength of public benefit to the city,
• ability of proposed business to spur additional city economic development,
• impact of the proposed business on existing city businesses,
• and the applicants’ willingness to construct public facilities or infrastructure.

II. Developer Incentive Program Summary

Purpose:

The City of Lewiston will consider providing incentives for the development and redevelopment of blighted areas, undeveloped areas, underdeveloped areas and areas that are developed but not up to city standards. 

Eligibility:

An applicant must meet the following requirements for the incentive program:

• The applicant must identify and commit to a project that will benefit the public. 
• Projects may include a new or improved utility infrastructure, new or improved roads, removal of blighted areas or slum clearance, protection and conservation of public health and elimination of crime. 
• If any applicant proposes to develop undeveloped land within the city of Lewiston, then the applicant shall provide infrastructure investment and building construction equal to or in excess of $5 million dollars. 
• If an applicant proposes to develop a blighted area within the city, then the applicant shall provide infrastructure investment and building construction equal to or in excess of $3 million dollars.
• Such development may be done in a phased approach over a period of one to three years. 

Availability:

The city offers expedited permitting process and waiver of fees as incentive options. The incentive offered to each applicant will depend upon the needs of and the benefits created by the proposed project.

Application:

An application for the incentive program shall be submitted by the developer to the Community Development department. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the incentive program before applying for permits. 

The Developer Incentive Application can be found here.

Evaluation:

The City of Lewiston shall evaluate an application for the incentive program taking into consideration the following factors: 

• revenue benefit the city
• strength of public benefit to the city
• remediation of brownfield site
• conformance with the City of Lewiston Comprehensive Plan
• ability to spur additional city economic development
• impact existing businesses within the city limits
• the applicant’s willingness to construct public facilities and infrastructure.

Nothing states that the city is under any obligation to provide any incentive. All actions shall be at the sole discretion of Lewiston City Council.

For more information, such as eligibility requirements, application procedure, etc visit our Lewiston City Code Section 40.