UPDATE: The City released the list of approved projects June 15. This story will be updated with more detailed information as it becomes available.
The City’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee has submitted its final project recommendations to the City Manager for the 2019-2024 round of Neighborhood Works program. An award announcement for approximately $600,000-650,000 of available funding is expected early this summer, but was not available by SGF Neighborhood News’ print deadline. Please watch sgfneighborhoodnews.com for upcoming project award details and timeline.
Sixteen neighborhood associations took part in mandatory application workshops hosted in December 2020 and January, with more than 16 project applications submitted from 11 neighborhoods. Applications included six parks-related projects, seven traffic engineering projects, two street maintenance projects and one traffic/stormwater/parks combined project.
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 of investment.
Projects for the 2019-2024 program will be selected in two application cycles. Approximately $600,000 – $650,000 will be allocated for this first cycle. All leftover funds will be carried over and added to the balance available for a second program funding cycle expected to take place in 2023.