HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3G: Approval of Neighborhood Matching Grants for Fiscal Year 2013
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Action: Approval of Neighborhood Matching Grants for Fiscal Year 2013
Meeting Date: April 8, 2013 Agenda Item Number: 3G
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 2013 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 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.
Since 2000, more than $515,000 in matching grants have funded 96 neighborhood improvement
projects community-wide. When the “match” portion of all projects is considered, the value of these
projects well exceeds $1 million. The benefits of the program go beyond the financial investment
and are an investment in building community. 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.”
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Grant applications for neighborhood projects were solicited through media releases and direct
outreach to neighborhood associations, community organizations, and previous grant recipients.
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. Eight applications were initially submitted for consideration
with five making it to the final review:
1)Acorn Park Accessibility Project
2)Friendly Park: Little Free Library
3)Harlow Community Information Kiosks
4)Little Dog Corner: Shelter
5)Skinner City Farm: Mobile Cannery Unit Building Initiative
The Neighborhood Matching Grants Department Advisory Committee met with all applicants on
February 25, 2013, and recommended that all projects receive funding. The five proposals total
$24,251.67 in grant funds and are described in Attachment A. When combined with the value of the
match provided by the applicants the total value of all projects is over $59,000.
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, and fair, stable and adequate financial
resources.
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 2013 Neighborhood Matching Grant
proposals as recommended by the department advisory committee.
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ATTACHMENTS
A.Neighborhood Matching Grants 2013 – 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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