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Commission awards community enhancement grants to local groups; several applications denied
Summary
The commission approved community enhancement grant awards March 26 after applicant presentations and a closed-session review; awards include funding for neighborhood events, accessibility projects and conservation programming.
The Economic and Community Development Commission reviewed community enhancement grant applications, heard three-minute public summaries from applicants, and finalized awards after a closed-session review on March 26.
Applicants who spoke in council chambers or online included representatives from Sacred Voice, the North La Crosse Business Association (NLBA), the Bong Center, Riverside International Friendship Gardens, Hope Restores, and others. Presenters described events and projects that requested city funding, including Indigenous Peoples Day, Juneteenth celebrations, accessibility improvements, and park and trail programming.
After deliberations, the commission approved the following awards (motions recorded in the meeting): Hmong Cultural and Community Center — $10,000; North La Crosse Business Association — $7,500; Hope Restores (Juneteenth celebration) — $10,000; Central Conservation Inc. dba Wisconsin Conservation Corps — $19,500; La Crosse County (Smart Bus regional transit support) — $8,500; Friends of the Blufflands — $10,000; Sacred Voice — $5,000. The commission moved to not fund Outdoor Recreation Alliance of the Seven Rivers Region, Inc., and Riverside International Friendship Gardens. All votes recorded in the meeting were unanimous.
Applicants had three-minute opportunities to summarize their requests before the commission convened in closed session to evaluate applications. During public remarks: Jane Como described the Indigenous Peoples Day plans and referenced the city's 2018 resolution recognizing the day; Kaylee Jacobson summarized the NLBA history and aims; Mattia (Bong Center) requested help with accessibility and program support; Chuck Hanson described the Ho-Chunk garden fundraising and the gardens' visitor numbers; and Shayan Curtis spoke about Juneteenth programming and community engagement.
Staff said the grant application period remains open until June 15 and that additional funding opportunities will be available in future rounds.
