Beginning July 1, eligible businesses and commercial property owners in the West Picacho and Motel Boulevard redevelopment area can seek reimbursement for security improvements.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces is expanding its Small Business Safety Improvement Grant Program to eligible businesses and commercial property owners in the West Picacho and Motel Boulevard Metropolitan Redevelopment Area.

The expansion begins July 1, according to the city’s Economic Development Department.

The program provides reimbursement of up to $5,000 for eligible security improvements designed to improve business safety and deter crime. Eligible improvements may include security cameras, locks, doors, sensors, outdoor lighting and fencing.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is provided as reimbursement. To qualify, expenses must be incurred on or after July 1. Expenses incurred before that date are not eligible for reimbursement.

Eligible applicants include independently owned businesses and qualifying nonprofit organizations with 40 or fewer full-time employees, as well as commercial property owners located within the redevelopment area boundary.

The program, offered in partnership with the Las Cruces Police Department, also includes free Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments. The assessments include on-site safety evaluations, crime prevention recommendations and access to community safety resources.

Business and property owners who are unsure whether they are located within the West Picacho and Motel Boulevard Metropolitan Redevelopment Area can review the boundary map and program eligibility requirements on the city’s website.

For information, including eligibility requirements and application materials, visit LasCruces.gov/BusinessIncentives.