Brownfield Grants

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Ontario, Nyssa, Vale, and Malheur County received a $600,000 Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017. Grant funds can be used through 2020 for environmental assessments and redevelopment planning on brownfields throughout Malheur County. 

Brownfields are..
  • Old gas stations, auto repair shops, dry cleaners, vacant warehouses, underutilized commercial or industrial buildings, and more. 
  • Not used to their full potential, maybe due to known or suspected environmental issues.
  • Left undeveloped because potential buyers are concerned about possible cleanup costs.
  • Both small and large properties, from abandoned factories to vacant or underused retail buildings.
  • Often not capitalizing on a property's size, location, or other assets.
  • An opportunity for focused and effective redevelopment and revitalization!

​If you’d like to nominate a site for grant assistance, please complete the attached questionnaire or contact Dan Cummings at (541) 881-3222.

Questionnaire Available Here

Housing Incentive Program

The City of Ontario Housing Incentive Program was created in 2017 to make available $10,000 cash incentive for new construction in Ontario or on property that can be annexed into the City.

The incentive is paid out when a certificate of occupancy is issued for the new home. The new homes must be single family, owner occupied, and greater than 1,600 square feet or homes greater than 1,350 square feet with a two-car garage and two bathrooms. Applications can be made at City Hall or the Community Development Center. Applicants will enter into an agreement prior to permitting and construction with the City. The home must be finished within 24 months of the execution of the agreement. 

Use the resources below to learn more about the Housing Incentive Program.

​Housing Incentive Program Brochure
Housing Incentive Program Application Process
Housing Incentive Program Builder Agreement
Housing Incentive Program Check List

Revitalize Ontario!

The purpose of Revitalize Ontario! is to develop and promote a healthy and prosperous downtown within the context of cultural and historic preservation. Revitalize is a nonprofit organization which partners with the City to bring economic revitalization to downtown Ontario. Past projects include a facade grant program and the introduction of an annual downtown event (Chocolate and Wine Walk).

Current projects include a downtown archway, custom art utility box wraps, and an annual tater-tot festival. Meetings take place at the Four Rivers Cultural Center at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of the month. You can follow Revitalize Ontario! here. You can read the Downtown Revitalization Plan here.

Façade Grant Program

The Façade Grant Program is back! To learn more about Phase II, visit our project page here.

Business Loan Fund

The business Loan Fund is used to finance projects for businesses or programs such as the Housing Incentive Fund. Additional Information regarding the Business Loan Fund, including applications, can be found under the City's Finance Department. This information can be accessed here.

Regional Economic
​Development Links

Oregon Economic Development Districts

Eastern Oregon Economic Development

Malheur County Economic Development

Snake River Economic Development 

​Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The City of Ontario's Economic Development Department is here to assist you with: 
1. Supporting a diverse economy to provide family jobs, employment for youth, and a positive environment for business creation.
2. Recognizing value-added processing that contributes positively to economic well-being in all areas of production.
3. Viewing agriculture as a crucial segment of the economy, utilizing both traditional production and alternative methods in support of a strong industry.
4. Encouraging local financial institution and private investor collaboration and utilizing government economic development programs to promote small business growth, while supporting sustainable operations.
5. Building a flourishing, low-impact tourism collaboration to support the success of local businesses in the lodging, retail, and restaurant industries.