Community forum approves Neighborhoods Office recommendations for FY25 Energize Your Neighborhood grants

The Missoula Community Forum on March 27 approved the grant subcommittee's recommendations for the fiscal year 2025 Energize Your Neighborhood (Neighborhood Improvement Grant) program, allocating the forum's $20,000 budget to five neighborhood projects.

The forum approved the recommendations by voice vote after the Neighborhoods Office presented seven applications and the grant subcommittee's final ranking and funding suggestions. "If the community forum approves of the recommendations, then the next step will be to take it to city council committee," the Neighborhoods Office presenter said, describing the process and next steps.

The grant program awards up to $6,000 per project to neighborhood-led projects that benefit city residents and deliver lasting improvements. This cycle received seven applications requesting a combined $34,327.51; the subcommittee recommended funding five projects totaling $20,000, the program's budget.

The subcommittee recommended full funding for a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossing at South Third Street West and South Grand Street in the River Road and Franklin of the Fort neighborhoods. The project's total budget was $20,000; the applicant requested $6,000…