Commercial Programs

Why the CRA Invests in Commercial Projects

The Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency invests in commercial projects because strong local businesses are crucial to the health of neighborhoods. Commercial development creates jobs, activates streets, preserves historic buildings, and provides everyday services residents rely on.

In CRA project areas, private investment alone is often not enough to overcome disinvestment, disaster impacts, or high redevelopment costs. CRA financing helps close those gaps, stabilize business districts, and support long-term economic resilience while advancing community priorities.

Commercial Development Loan Program

The Commercial Development Loan Program (CDLP) supports new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of commercial and mixed-use projects in CRA project areas.

Loans help finance construction costs for projects that strengthen business districts, activate ground-floor spaces, support job creation, and align with CRA project area objectives. The program prioritizes long-term community benefit and may offer additional incentives for projects that preserve older or historic buildings.

A new CDLP is expected in Spring 2026.

Disaster Relief Loan Program

When a qualifying disaster disrupts businesses in a CRA project area, the Disaster Relief Loan Program (DRLP) provides short-term, low-interest financing to help businesses recover and reopen.

These loans are designed to bridge the gap between insurance proceeds and verified recovery costs. Funding may support repairs, reconstruction, equipment replacement, temporary relocation, and other eligible expenses tied directly to disaster recovery. The program is activated only when a qualifying event is identified and funding is approved by the CRA Board.

Learn more about the DRLP.