Life Safety Grant Program Applications Open for Downtown Property Owners

The City of Brenham is pleased to announce that the Brenham City Council has approved the Life Safety Grant Program for an additional year of funding, providing financial assistance to property owners making critical safety and accessibility improvements to buildings in the Historic Downtown District.

The program was developed following the adoption of the City’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan, Historic Past, Bold Future: Plan 2040, and the creation of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). Both initiatives encourage continued public and private investment in Downtown Brenham and support improvements that help preserve and revitalize historic properties.

A primary goal of the Life Safety Grant Program is to bring vacant and underutilized spaces back into productive use, particularly second and third floors, where the cost of meeting current fire and accessibility requirements can be a significant barrier to redevelopment. Properties located within the Historic Downtown District may apply for matching grant funds to reimburse eligible improvements required by the International Fire Code and Texas Accessibility Standards. Eligible projects may include fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, fire escapes, means of egress, accessibility improvements, and other qualifying life-safety upgrades.

Successful applicants may receive reimbursement on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, up to $60,000 per property. The City’s FY 2026-27 budget includes $120,000 for the Life Safety Grant Program, with the program projected to continue in subsequent fiscal years.

Applications are due October 30, 2026. Applicants must provide at least two bids for each proposed improvement. A City staff panel will review applications and forward recommendations to the Brenham City Council for final consideration. A pre-application meeting is required before submitting an application. Property owners interested in the program are encouraged to schedule a meeting with Development

Services to review grant guidelines, discuss potential projects, and determine whether proposed improvements may qualify for funding.

Additional information, including the Life Safety Grant application and Grant Guidelines, is available at DowntownBrenham.com. For additional information or to schedule a required pre-application meeting, contact Stephanie Doland, Director of Development Services, at 979-337-7269 or sdoland@cityofbrenham.org