FNIP seeks $300,000 from Ferguson; council debates independence, transparency and oversight

The Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program on Thursday presented its Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget and asked the City Council for $300,000 from the city’s Economic Development Sales Tax fund to continue and expand its housing and neighborhood grant programs.

FNIP President Larry Robinette told the council the group operates five current grant programs — exterior improvement, tree assistance, new homebuyer assistance, sidewalk repair and neighborhood organization grants — and is working to use the Missouri Abandoned Housing Act to acquire and rehabilitate vacant houses. “FNIP is in place to provide and enhance housing opportunities, improve the quality of life, and foster a spirit of community among the residents of Ferguson,” Robinette said.

The request drew detailed questions from council members about FNIP’s finances, legal status and oversight. Councilwoman Noah pressed FNIP for more financial access to confirm reserves and asked how many Ward 3 residents had used FNIP services; Robinette said the organization is a 501(c)(3) independent of the city and declined to provide recipients’ names, saying FNIP provided summary statistics and program-level payouts. “I don’t support gifting any…