Title
Approval of 2021 Neighborhood Matching Grants Awards
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Neighborhood Matching Grant proposals as recommended by the Grant Review Team.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve funding for ten (10) Neighborhood Matching Grants.
Staff Contact:
Lydia Moorehead, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.3746
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar
Background and Analysis:
The Neighborhood Matching Grant program helps Olympia's Recognized Neighborhood Associations (RNAs) fund community-driven projects.
The program goal is "to encourage projects that foster civic pride, enhance and beautify neighborhoods, expand citizen involvement, and promote the interests of the Olympia community. To accomplish this goal, the Olympia City Council will make available grant funds to Recognized Neighborhood Associations up to a 50/50 matching basis. The City Council firmly believes that community participation and commitment to accomplish improvements within our City are mutually beneficial to all Olympia residents. "
2021 Application and Review Process
The City Council approved a budget of up to $23,000 to fund the Neighborhood Matching Grant program in 2021. Grant awards can range from $500 to $5000, can cover up to 50% of project costs, and must be matched by the RNA with direct financial contribution and/or in-kind labor and materials.
A total of twelve (12) applications were received for 2021. They were reviewed by an interdisciplinary team of city staff. Applications were evaluated against the following program goals:
* Result in a direct and lasting environmental benefit to the neighborhood and/or wider community.
* Enhance and beautify the neighborhood and/or wider community.
* Foster community engagement and enrichment opportunities through the use of neighborhood sweat equity.
* Ready to begin after funding has been appr...
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