Economic Development

The Sandusky City Economic Development programs intend to spur and support economic development activities within the City of Sandusky. Financial assistance is available for new or expanding businesses and/or property owners that will positively affect the economic and employment climates in the city and broader Firelands Region.

The City strongly believes that investments in economic development activities are vital to job creation and attracting and retaining a talented workforce to fill newly created or available positions.  Increased economic development will also stimulate investments in underutilized or vacant buildings and sites – which will strengthen the real estate market, increase property values, create a more walkable community and improve overall quality of life.  Understanding that not all businesses or their needs are the same, the city offers various programs to assist business based on differing stages of development and growth. 

Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement 
Certain new construction or renovation projects may be eligible for multi-year real estate tax abatement on the increased real estate tax liability of their project.  This abatement will provide real estate tax relief for a period of years and provide operations savings during the term of the abatement.  All projects awarded real estate tax abatement under this program will be required to meet or exceed a negotiated level of capital investment, new job creation and new payroll.

Eligibility 
For-profit entity developing or expanding a business enterprise in the City of Sandusky.  

Program Fees
Initial Application - $750
Yearly Monitoring - $200

Program Requirements
The business must demonstrate job creation and retention within the Enterprise Zone
Enterprise Zone Agreement must be in place before the project begins
EZ grantees must submit annual information related to project investment, job creation, annual payroll and taxes paid

Download the Program Guidelines & Application



Economic Development Assistance Program

The Sandusky Economic Development Assistance Program is intended to spur and support economic 
development activities within the City of Sandusky. Financial assistance is available for new 
or expanding businesses and/or property owners that will positively affect the economic and employment 
climates in the City of Sandusky. 
The City strongly believes that investments in economic development activities are vital to job creation 
and attracting and retaining a talented workforce to fill newly created or available positions. Increased 
economic development will also stimulate investments in underutilized or vacant buildings and sites –
which will strengthen the real estate market, increase property values, create a more walkable community 
and improve overall quality of life.
Download the Program Guidelines & Application