What is a Redevelopment Agency?
A Redevelopment Agency or RDA is created by a City to eliminate blight, promote economic development and assist in the provision of affordable housing in a specific area in the city.

Does the RDA provide grants and loans to business and residents for these purposes?
Yes, in some cases. The RDA oversees a Micro-Enterprise program that offers business consulting and financial assistance to new and existing business owners who qualify. A Community Development Block Grant program, these funds and consulting services are geared toward moderate to low income residents. The County of Merced also offers a program to businesses that hire at least one low income employee. Funds can be used for capital outlay and projects. Residents may borrow money to fix-up and repair their homes through a special program managed by the RDA called the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

For business information, contact Elaine Post, Redevelopment Manager, at (209) 827-7000 x146 , elaine.post@losbanos.org

Can the RDA assist me to start-up a business?
The RDA can provide some assistance in this area through its Business Incubator Center, which the RDA leases at a reduced rate to start-up businesses and at which the RDA also provides business-training seminars. In addition, the RDA operates a small business loan program, where start-up businesses can receive low-interest loans. If interested, please contact Elaine Post at the number or email provided above.

What is going on in the Downtown, along the Rail Corridor?
The RDA has adopted a Master Plan that develops the Rail Corridor into a vibrant and interactive center of both business and residential development. The RDA now owns the majority of the property in this Corridor. The RDA has completed the trail system that runs through this area. The next steps are to market the property to financially sound and successful developers with ideas that are in harmony with the Master Plan, as well as, to work with the other property owners in the Corridor to do the same. If you are interested in property in the Corridor, please contact Elaine Post at the number or the email provided above.

Does the RDA buy and sell property? Can the Agency assist me in finding a good location for my business?
The RDA does buy and sell property in the Project Area in an effort to meet the goals of the Agency detailed above. It can also assist you in finding a location for your business. Please contact Elaine Post at the number or the email provided above if you are interested in these services.

Where can I find a map of the RDA Project Area?
There is a link on the Redevelopment Web Page of this Community Development Section that provides the map of the Project Area.