Title
Approval of the 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant Allocation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Grant Review Team recommended Neighborhood Matching Grant proposals and authorize the completion of contracts for the proposals.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Grant Review Team recommended Neighborhood Matching Grant proposals and authorize the completion of contracts for the proposals.
Staff Contact:
Brittany Gillia, Associate Planner, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.753.8427
Presenter(s):
Brittany Gillia, Associate Planner
Background and Analysis:
The City's Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG) program has operated for over 25 years, providing small reimbursement-based grants to Recognized Neighborhood Associations (RNAs) that get matched with volunteer labor and RNA contributions to support projects that enhance Olympia's neighborhoods. The NMG program focuses on projects that are appropriate for citizen level management that encourage residents to identify opportunities and actively participate in making improvements to their neighborhood and broader community.
2026 Application and Review Process
The City Council approved a budget of up to $33,000 to fund the Neighborhood Matching Grant program. Grant awards range from up to $5000 for a single RNA and up to $8,000 for joint RNA applications. Grant awards 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.
Following feedback from community members, City Council, and staff, the program has been updated to better meet neighborhood needs and interests. The updates focus on several areas of the program, such as expanding the timeline for spending and completing projects, and broadening the program's goals to include emergency preparedness, climate resilience, belonging and equity, community partnerships...
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