Energy Corridor District’s Public Safety Grant
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Energy Corridor District’s Public Safety Reimbursement Grant Program, aimed at fostering a safer and more secure environment within our District through installation of lighting and surveillance enhancements. As a responsible commercial property owner within the Energy Corridor District, we invite you to participate in this program and submit a reimbursement grant application for consideration.
All applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come-first served basis until funding has been exhausted. All applications materials must be received on or before August 1, 2025.
Application Process
To apply for the Energy Corridor District’s Public Safety Grant, please follow the steps outlined below:
- Grant Application Preparation: Complete a grant application detailing how you intend to utilize the funds for safety enhancements (lighting, surveillance, etc.) within your commercial property.
- Budget Proposal: Provide a detailed budget breakdown of how you plan to allocate funds for safety improvements (lighting, surveillance cameras, installations, other associated costs, etc.). This budget must include the applicant match.
- Project Need & Location: Describe how the District would benefit from your proposed safety upgrades and identify where you would install them in addition to your plan to maintain them.
- Submission: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, depending on fund availability, until August 1. Please submit your grant application and accompanying documents via the online form.
Additional Details:Application Review Period: Applications will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt.
Grant Awardees Announcement: Awardees will be announced at the Board of Directors following their selection. Successful grantees will be contacted upon award determination.
Law Enforcement Access: Grantees are required to provide law enforcement agencies with access to camera footage upon their request. This cooperation is vital for enhancing overall security and aiding law enforcement investigations.
*Please note funds are for reimbursement of expenses and will not be dispersed until after the equipment purchase and installation are complete, and The Energy Corridor District has received proof of both.
City of Houston Ordinance 2022-307 Section 28-672 requires certain specifics regarding security cameras for sexually-oriented businesses, convenience stores, and game parlors. These technical requirements are incorporated here for all applicants – regardless of business type – to allow better law enforcement and judicial access.
Applicants must have a business that is within the Energy Corridor District. See District boundaries in the map below to confirm your location falls within the District.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:
The primary objective of the Public Safety Reimbursement Grant Program is to support commercial property owners in enhancing security measures on their properties, thereby contributing to the overall safety of The Energy Corridor District’s community. We recognize that well-lit and surveilled areas play a significant role in deterring crime and facilitating effective law enforcement. To support those elements of public safety, this grant program is intended to assist property owners in recouping the partial cost of purchasing and installing security cameras and/or lighting, or other infrastructure or equipment that improves the safety and security of the location.
Reimbursement grant applications will be considered for any amount up to $5,000. Total project costs may be of any amount, but applicants are only eligible for a maximum award of $5,000. A dollar-for-dollar match from the applicant is required for grant funding. For every $1 provided by the grant, the applicant must match with $1.
QUALIFICATIONS & CONDITIONS:
To be eligible for the Public Safety Grant Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be commercial property owners within The Energy Corridor District. Tenants may apply for grants provided they have the authority to install the desired equipment on the property.
- To best facilitate effective law enforcement, grant funds requested for the reimbursement of costs for the purchase and/or installation of lighting or surveillance camera systems must meet the technical standards of the Houston Police Department as described in the application and Section 28-672 of City of Houston Ordinance No. 2022-307:
- (a) A business subject to the requirements of this article shall have digital high-resolution surveillance cameras sufficient to provide an overall view from the exterior of the building to the property line, and each camera shall be placed in consultation with HPD. Each camera shall display the date and time of the recording. The camera must be capable of providing a digital image with a minimum resolution of two megapixels, a minimum aspect ratio of 1920 horizontal pixels by 1080 vertical pixels and a minimum frame rate of 30 frames per second. The camera shall have Wide Dynamic Range capabilities. The camera shall be capable of exporting video footage in a nonproprietary. MPEG-4 format
- (b) Each camera shall be maintained and in proper condition to operate at all times, including hours when the facility is not open for business.
- (c) The owner or operator shall, within 72 hours of a request, provide digital color video footage in connection with crime investigations to the police department.
- (d) The owner or operator shall maintain a library of the recorded digital footage for no less than 30 days.
- (e) A business subject to the requirements of this article shall have posted at all public exits and entrances signs or decals indicating that surveillance cameras are in use.
Grantees must also meet the City of Houston’s standards for posted “No Trespassing” signs and file a signed Trespass Affidavit with the Houston Police Department.
Grants will be awarded at the sole discretion of The Energy Corridor District Board of Directors.
Purchase and installation of lighting or cameras must be completed within 90 days of award notice. Proof of payment and successful installation will be required for the release of funds.
Grantees are responsible for coordinating the placement of lighting or camera assets within their
properties and ensuring their ongoing functionality for at least 3 years.
Last modified: April 9, 2025
