HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2D: Approval of FY10 Neighborhood Matching Grant Proposals
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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);
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3)Flow-through Worm Bin Demonstration Project, Amazon Neighborhood Sustainability
Subcommittee (Amazon Neighbors); and,
4)West Eighth Collaborative, Community Center for the Performing Arts/Food for Lane
County/Metro Housing (Downtown Neighborhood Association)
The Neighborhood Matching Grants Department Advisory Committee met with all four applicants on
Feb. 14, and recommend all for full funding. The four proposals total $32,590 in grant requests, and are
described in Attachment A.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Implementing a neighborhood matching grant program was a high-priority action item identified in the
Neighborhood Empowerment Initiative. The program also promotes the Council Vision and Values,
with individual projects supporting a safe community, sustainable development, accessible and thriving
culture and recreation, effective and accountable municipal government, and fair, stable and adequate
financial resources.
Grant applications are scored by the advisory committee based on the following criteria: tangible
neighborhood benefit; neighborhood community involvement; project readiness; and sustainability
values. Sustainability values are based on the City’s triple-bottom-line framework and include impacts
to environmental health or ability to address climate change; impacts on the local economy and/or use of
public resources; and project contributions to social equity through benefits to under-represented or
vulnerable population or by promoting safety, cultural awareness, and building of community
relationships.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The council may approve, amend, or deny the grant recommendations.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends the City Council approve all of the grant recommendations.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to direct the City Manager to fund the fiscal year 2011 Neighborhood Matching Grant proposals
as recommended by the department advisory committee.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Neighborhood Matching Grants 2011 – Department Advisory Committee Recommendations
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Cindy Clarke, Neighborhood Services Program Coordinator
Telephone: 541-682-5272
Staff E-Mail: cindy.j.clarke@ci.eugene.or.us
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