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City details $100,000 Love Your Block grant to fund resident‑led home and neighborhood projects
Summary
The City of Evanston is launching a resident‑led Love Your Block program using a $100,000 Bloomberg grant to fund small exterior home repairs and neighborhood beautification projects, with priority on seniors and low‑income households in four wards.
Assistant City Manager Tashik Kerr and AmeriCorps VISTA Bridgette Johnson presented the Love Your Block initiative and a proposed resident‑led grant distribution plan funded by a $100,000 Bloomberg grant. The program will fund small exterior home improvements and neighborhood beautification projects in targeted historically marginalized areas and prioritizes seniors and low‑income households.
Staff said 442 residents responded to the city survey used to shape the program; about 70% agreed the funds should be used for small home improvement projects, while roughly 30% wanted other uses or more information. A steering group of residents met to design application criteria, eligibility, mission statement and mission branding; staff said the group has been meeting and will participate in selection, fundraising and outreach.
Kerr and Johnson explained the proposed geographic focus and funding split for the first year of the two‑year $50,000 per year allocation: $14,000 allocated to the Second Ward, $14,000 to the Fifth Ward, $9,000 to the Eighth Ward and $8,000 to the Ninth Ward. Staff said the allocation reflected ward population differences and the targeted neighborhoods where need was identified.
The program application opens Feb. 14 and closes March 7, with winning projects announced by April 22; projects would be completed on a schedule the steering group sets, with many projects expected to finish by Aug. 31. Council members thanked staff and volunteers; Council member Burns praised the co‑design approach that incorporated suggestions from residents who asked for broader allowable uses than only home repair.
