Downtown banner program
Hamilton Banner Program
HDA’s Banner Program allows community businesses, non-profits, and civic organizations to display banners that feature cultural or artistic elements, activate public space, support area events or attractions, or promote public interests. They convey public information and contribute to downtown beautification and placemaking.
Vertical banners are hanged from light poles between 1st and 4th Streets along both sides of Main Street; the north side of State Street; and the first north-south blocks of 2nd and 3rd Streets. Downtown light poles are owned by DHBID within public rights-of-way. HDA/HDF administers the program on behalf of DHBID.
2026 Call for Applications
Non-profits are invited to submit a calendar request for 2026 Banner Program January 16th - February 16th. Calendar requests will be evaluated by the Design Committee and organizations will be notified on February 18th if they are invited to submit a full application.
In the past year, we have received interest in the same months by multiple organizations. In order to set a fair calendar, the Design Committee will review applications and notify organizations of the dates available based on interest. If the dates are acceptable to the organization, we will ask that a full application with design drafts created to the specifications required is submitted (will send to accepted organizations) and a non-refundable $250 deposit.
How does the Banner Program work?
Applicants submit original and/or electronic forms with required attachments (including proposed design[s]) and a nonrefundable $250 application deposit.
HDF’s Board or an authorized Committee or agent will evaluate and select Banners based on whether they:
• Create downtown vibrancy with quality design, artistic excellence, and / or cultural relevancy
• Are engaging, interesting, unique, and high quality in concept, theme, and / or expressiveness
• Reflect the interests and missions of HDA, HDF, DHBID, the City of Hamilton, and / or community organizations
• Promote community event(s), District or City character, regional heritage and / or places of interest
• Identify seasons, community celebrations, or public events that positively contribute to Downtown
Estimated time for HDF approval is approximately 30 days from receipt of application. Interested organizations should contact HDF to verify availability before applying, well in advance of desired dates.
What are Program requirements?
Banners must be designed and produced by applicant to specifications outlined later in this document. Banners must be hanged for a period of a least one (1) month and no more than three (3) months, as calendar months. Applicant must procure a minimum number of banners, from the Options listed below:
All Downtown: all light poles with available brackets = 31 banners plus 3 extra.
Main Street: Main Street light poles with available brackets = 18 banners plus 2 extra
*Side Streets: non-Main Street light poles with available brackets = 13 banners plus 1 extra
*Side Street Only Option is only available if a Main Street Option has been approved for display simultaneously. Contact us for more details.
Contact HDA to verify availability before applying.
What costs are involved?
All costs to design and procure banners are the responsibility of the applicant. Approved applicant pays HDF the Banner Program fee based on the approved Option selected, less nonrefundable $250 application deposit.
All costs to design and procure banners are borne by the applicant. Approved applicant pays HDA the Banner Program fee based on the approved Period selected, less nonrefundable $250 application deposit:
1 Month: June/July 1 Month: October; January–April
All Downtown $550 (~$17.75/pole/month) $450 (~$14.50/pole/month)
Main Street Only $400 (~$22.25/pole/month) $350 (~$19.50/pole/month)