The City of Paducah Planning Department has organized a Southside outreach event for Thursday, May 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. This door-to-door informational campaign will focus on connecting directly with residents about the Southside Housing Incentive Program and available home grants.
“This outreach is about meeting residents where they are and making sure they have clear, accessible information about the resources available to them,” said Mayor George Bray. “We want every homeowner and potential developer in the Southside to understand the opportunities this program provides. These funds are an important tool for revitalizing the Southside and strengthening the community.”
The outreach effort will be a neighborhood walk led by teams of volunteers composed of Planning Department staff, City staff, and elected officials. Volunteers will be easily identifiable in yellow Southside shirts as they walk block-by-block in the Phase One Program Area, beginning at Kentucky Avenue and heading south to Caldwell Street.
“Our goal is to have real conversations with residents,” said Planning Director Carol Gault. “By going door-to-door, we can answer questions, explain the application process, and help people understand how these incentives can support improvements to their homes or new construction projects.”
During the outreach, teams will knock on doors to speak directly with residents about available grant opportunities for home rehabilitation and new construction. Informational materials will be provided, and door hangers will be left at residences where residents are unavailable.
Applications for the Southside Housing Incentive Program, which include the Homeowner Grant and Developer Grant, opened in January. The program supports the Southside Revitalization Plan and is designed to encourage investment by providing financial incentives for improving, repairing, remodeling, or reconstructing existing homes, as well as for constructing new homes.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Incentives currently apply to the Phase 1 area, which includes 1,061 properties and approximately 400 vacant parcels.
Homeowner Grant Incentive
The Homeowner Grant provides a reimbursement of 30 percent of eligible project costs, up to $30,000 per property. For example, a $25,000 home improvement project would qualify for a $7,500 reimbursement. Eligible improvements include major rehabilitation and new construction projects such as windows, siding, roofing, electrical systems, HVAC, porches, interior remodels, and accessibility ramps. Routine maintenance, appliances, and furniture are not eligible.
Developer Grant Incentive
The Developer Grant helps bridge the gap between construction costs and appraised home values, with a maximum award of $75,000 per home. For instance, if a home costs $200,000 to construct but appraises at $125,000, the Developer Incentive Grant will provide $75,000 to bridge that gap. The grant is applied as a down payment for the new homeowner, who must occupy the home for at least 10 years. If the homeowner moves before that time, a prorated portion of the grant must be repaid.
Developers must apply prior to construction, and only one application per property will be accepted. A homeowner or buyer must be identified before the grant is awarded. Applications are reviewed and approved by the Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency.
More Information
For more information about the Southside Revitalization Plan, adopted by the Paducah Board of Commissioners in August 2025, including incentive programs and the Phase 1 map area, visit Southside.
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