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Council approves Love Your Block mini-grants program using Johns Hopkins funding
Summary
The council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into Love Your Block mini-grant agreements. The Johns Hopkins‑funded program provides $100,000 to support a VISTA, a part‑time staff member and mini‑grants of up to $2,500 for neighborhood projects in central census tracts.
The Columbia City Council on Feb. 3 approved resolution (Council Bill 18‑25) authorizing the city manager to enter into Love Your Block grant agreements that will distribute mini‑grants for neighborhood activities and minor home repair in central neighborhoods.
Leigh Cutwitz, neighborhood services manager, said the city received a $100,000 grant via Johns Hopkins University to fund a part‑time staff member and program expenses, including an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Cutwitz said the VISTA, Diane Crutcher, will help run outreach and application‑assistance meetings. Mini‑grants will be available for up to $2,500 per project. Staff said applications open Friday, Feb. 14, and close March 21; the city plans to announce funding recipients by April 7 and requires projects to be completed by Aug. 31. The program runs for two years, with flexibility to change focus areas in the second year.
Councilmembers asked about eligible projects; Cutwitz said examples include community gardens, tool libraries, tree planting and minor owner‑occupied home repairs. Staff said scoring will prioritize projects that serve the central‑city census tracts identified in the grant (including tract 921 and adjacent areas such as White Gate, Indian Hills and McKee Street Park) but that projects just outside the tracks may be considered.
The council approved the resolution by roll‑call vote; the clerk recorded unanimous support (all members voting yes).
