The entrance to One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown, where many county offices are housed. (Photo courtesy Montgomery County Commissioners)
Deadline is March 2 as county officials encourage affordable housing projects
Municipalities looking to pursue projects could receive financial assistance through the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program as Montgomery County officials opened the application window.
The Montgomery County Planning Commission’s annual initiative focuses on funding projects with shared values to the Montco 2040: A Shared Vision comprehensive plan, which emphasizes connectivity, economic viability and sustainability. While program representatives welcomed a variety of project submissions, special attention is expected to be given to ventures aimed at growing the county’s affordable housing stock.
“With affordable housing as a priority for the county’s growing population, extra consideration will be given to projects that help make communities more livable where new housing is being built, where zoning is encouraging redevelopment, or where existing density creates a desirable environment for population growth and downtown destinations,” a county spokesperson said.
The Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program has distributed nearly $21 million to help fund 157 projects across 55 municipalities since 2016, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson. Notable projects include mural installations, improvements to historic buildings, parks and recreational facilities, pedestrian and bike safety upgrades, and steambank restoration efforts.
“The Montco 2040 grant program is one of the most effective ways the county directly funds the community improvements our municipal partners need and deserve — from welcoming parks and trails to safe streets and vibrant town centers,” Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairman Neil Makhija said in a statement.
The 2026 funding cycle has $2.75 million, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson. Municipal projects could receive up to $250,000 in county grant funding, and projects involving multiple municipalities could obtain as much as $350,000. Applications are due March 2, 2026.
Additional “focus categories,” which “highlight recent county planning initiatives,” will “receive greater consideration during application review.” Those consist of “adaptation and resiliency” projects, “support of downtown and community destinations,” as well as “transportation and mobility improvements,” according to a county spokesperson.
“This year’s grant cycle will expand initiatives that make our communities feel like home, whether that’s through development, infrastructure improvements, or beautification projects,” Makhija said.
Those interested in applying can attend a virtual information session at 12 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2026.
Visit montgomerycountypa.gov/Montco2040GrantProgram for more information.
