Title
Approval of 2019 Neighborhood Matching Grant Allocation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve nine Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG) proposals listed in the attached Review Team Recommendations.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve funding for nine (9) Neighborhood Matching Grants.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Presenter(s):
Nathaniel Jones, Council member and NMG Review Team Chair
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer
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."
2019 Application and Review Process
The City Council approved a budget of up to $23,000 to fund the Neighborhood Matching Grant program in 2019. Grant awards can range from $500 to $5,000, can cover up to 50 percent of project costs, and must be matched by the RNA with direct financial contribution and/or in-kind labor and materials.
A total of ten (10) applications were received for 2019. They were reviewed by an interdisciplinary team of city staff and Councilmember Nathaniel Jones. Applications were evaluated against 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 co...
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