Item 2D: Approval of FY10 Neighborhood Matching Grant Proposals

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Approval of Neighborhood Matching Grants for Fiscal Year 2011 Meeting Date: March 14, 2011 Agenda Item Number: 2D Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Cindy Clarke www.eugene-or.gov/neighborhoods Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5272 ISSUE STATEMENT The City Council is asked to approve the fiscal year 2011 Neighborhood Matching Grants proposals recommended for funding by the department advisory committee. BACKGROUND On June 12, 2000, the City Council adopted Resolution 4632, adopting guidelines for operation of a Neighborhood Matching Grants program. Grant-funded projects may include, but are not limited to:  Physical improvement projects that involve recreation or public safety facilities, natural resource features, public art and spaces, or community gardens. Projects that improve universal accessibility are also encouraged.  Public school partnership projects that benefit school children and the immediate neighborhood.  Neighborhood-based events and celebrations.  Capacity-building initiatives that serve to create, diversify, or increase participation in a neighborhood-based organization or promote an understanding of issues important to neighborhood residents. All neighborhood-based groups are eligible for funding, including neighborhood associations, business associations, school site council, or an ad hoc neighborhood group formed to work together on a specific project. To date, more than $450,000 in matching grants has funded 85 community projects spread among all 19 neighborhood associations. When the “match” portion of all projects is considered, their combined value exceeds $1 million. Since fiscal year 2010, the council has not allocated dedicated funding for matching grants and Neighborhood Services has maintained the program by shifting resources from other areas and funding it within its annual budget appropriation. Grant applications were solicited through media releases, print advertisements, and outreach to neighborhood associations, community organizations and previous grant recipients. Seven applications were initially submitted for consideration, but three withdrew for various reasons before the final review and selection process. Staff will be evaluating additional ways to promote the program throughout the community to enhance interest in the next cycle. Four proposals were submitted for final consideration: 1)Skinner City Farm, strategic planning (Whiteaker Community Council); 2)South University Multi-Modal Traffic Study (South University Neighborhood Association); \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110314\S1103142D.doc