Evaluation of applications for approximately $600,000-$650,000 of Neighborhood Works program funding are underway, with final project awards expected to be announced in June.
Sixteen neighborhood associations took part in mandatory application workshops hosted in December 2020 and January, with 16 project applications submitted. The applications included six parks projects, seven traffic engineering projects, two street maintenance projects and one traffic engineering/stormwater/parks combined project.
City staff expect to review applications for eligibility and feasibility and prepare cost estimates by late April. The Neighborhood Advisory Council evaluation and scoring period will then take place. Final recommendations will be forwarded to City Manager Jason Gage for a final decision in early June.
First launched in 2016 and funded through the ¼-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax, Neighborhood Works is intended to fund small-scale capital improvements within officially registered neighborhoods. The program gives residents the opportunity to identify projects they believe will offer the greatest benefit to their area. Examples of eligible projects include small-scale stormwater drainage improvements, alley improvements, street markings for bikes, small sidewalk improvements and trail connections, and updates to parks such as playground equipment, sidewalks and parking lots.
Individual projects are limited to $100,000 or less and must take place on city-owned property or right-of-way. Since the program began, it has funded 21 individual neighborhood projects totaling $1.5 million in investment.
Projects for the 2019-2024 program will be selected in two application cycles. Approximately $600,000-$650,000 will be allocated for the first cycle. All leftover funds will be carried over and added to the balance available for a second program funding cycle expected in 2023.
For more information, contact Alana Owen, senior planner for the City of Springfield, at 864-1831 or aowen@springfieldmo.gov.