HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2C: Approval of Neighborhood Matching Grants for FY12
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Approval of Neighborhood Matching Grants for Fiscal Year 2012
Meeting Date: April 9, 2012 Agenda Item Number: 2C
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 2012 Neighborhood Matching Grants proposals
recommended for funding by the Neighborhood Matching Grants Department Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND
On June 12, 2000, the City Council adopted Resolution 4632, adopting guidelines for 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 councils and ad hoc neighborhood groups formed to work on specific projects.
Community involvement and building relationships are key components of the program and are
encouraged by requiring that the project budget includes a match amount equal to, or greater than, the
grant request.
To date, more than $490,000 in matching grants has funded 89 projects community-wide. When the
“match” portion of all projects is considered, the combined value exceeds $1 million. The benefits of the
program go beyond the financial investment. As one applicant eloquently stated: “When community
members work together in any capacity, they strengthen relationships. When people work together on
enhancing a public space, they not only enhance relationships, but build a community legacy that benefits
everyone.”
Although council no longer allocates dedicated funding for matching grants, Neighborhood Services has
so far maintained the program by shifting resources from other areas.
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Grant applications were solicited through media releases and outreach to neighborhood associations,
community organizations and previous grant recipients. Nine applications were initially submitted for
consideration during the pre-review process; three applicants opted not to submit a final application for
various reasons.
Six proposals were submitted for final consideration:
1)CAN Walkability Project (Churchill Area Neighbors);
2)South University Traffic Enhancement Project (South University Neighborhood Association);
3)Tree Inventory and Assessment (Jefferson Westside Neighbors);
4)Map Your Neighborhood Project – Action Plan Eugene (Amazon, Southeast Neighbors, Friendly
Area Neighbors);
5)Whilamut Natural Area Gateway Restoration Project (Harlow Neighbors); and,
6)Willakenzie Grange Site Improvements (Harlow Neighbors).
The Neighborhood Matching Grants Department Advisory Committee met with all six applicants on
March 12, 2012, and recommended that all projects receive funding. The six proposals total $25,564.84 in
grant funding 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. By leveraging neighborhood and community resources, the
program supports council goals and outcomes for 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 underrepresented or
vulnerable populations 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 2012 Neighborhood Matching Grant proposals as
recommended by the department advisory committee.
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ATTACHMENTS
A.Neighborhood Matching Grants 2012 – 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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