Do you have an idea to better your ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä neighborhood?
The first round of applications for the new Hearts of Our Neighborhood initiative opened Monday. Applications for projects costing $1,000-$10,000 are due June 15.
Over the next year, three rounds of funding will provide $250,000 to projects throughout ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä that will create and enhance public spaces.
The idea was launched by Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin in her 2025 State of the City address. The ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä City Council approved $250,000 for the initiative.
“ We fund projects and we work on things all the time from the calls and the messages that we get. This is giving that power back to the neighborhoods, back to the community organizations and groups,†Goodwin said Monday. “We think that we know [what you need]. We want you to tell us.â€
Goodwin has already heard a few ideas from the public, such as bike racks in front of a local business and toddler swings at a city park. Additionally, applicants may use the funds for programming, such as senior programming or yoga at a park.
Goodwin encouraged people to come together to apply.
“I want ... neighborhood associations, nonprofit groups and individuals in the neighborhood to work together to come up with something,†she said. “Surely, one individual can submit, but it is really impactful and powerful ... to bring an entire neighborhood into something that you would want.â€
Goodwin said a “fluid committee†made up of city directors, council members and members of her administration will review the applications, depending on whose expertise is needed.
