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Lancaster launches pilot to replace front‑yard turf with drought‑tolerant landscaping, approves $100,000 seed funding
Summary
The council approved a pilot to replace front‑yard turf in a targeted inner‑city area, requesting $100,000 from the general fund (offset by vacant property registration revenue) to assist 8–10 homes with grants up to $15,000 per household.
Lancaster’s City Council unanimously approved a pilot program to replace front‑yard turf with drought‑tolerant landscaping in a targeted area of the city, providing seed funding and setting program parameters for 2026.
Nicole Jones of the Community Development Department told the council the program grew from the Love Your City cleanup initiative led by Vice Mayor Marvin Crist and will target the inner core (Avenues I–L, 20th Street East to 30th Street West). Jones requested $100,000 from the general fund for the remainder of the fiscal year, to be offset by revenue from the vacant property registration program that staff estimates will generate about $300,000 per year.
"We're hoping to assist 8 to 10 homes by July 1," Jones said, adding the maximum award is $15,000 per household though staff estimates typical spending per award will be about $12,000 because the city will coordinate with local businesses and volunteers. Eligible improvements include turf removal, irrigation upgrades and native plant installation.
Councilmembers suggested piloting the program in a single neighborhood and measuring changes—such as resident satisfaction and crime statistics—before wider rollout. Staff said they would pursue outreach and evaluation and seek sponsorships and partnerships for program expansion.
The council moved and seconded the item and voted unanimously to approve the pilot. Next steps: staff will begin public outreach and return with program guidelines and outreach materials.
