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Bowling Green awards $39,415 in neighborhood strategic grants to 11 resident-led projects

City Commission of Bowling Green, Kentucky · March 4, 2026

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Summary

City staff selected and funded 11 resident-led projects through the Strategic Neighborhood Grant program, allocating about $39,415 in the spring cycle and inviting recipients to a March 24 recognition event.

The Bowling Green City Commission approved Municipal Order 2026-45 on March 3, awarding the second round of Strategic Neighborhood Grants to 11 resident-led projects after a month-long application period.

Leila Becker, community engagement division manager, told commissioners the revamped program (formerly called the Flexible Neighborhood Grant) received 31 applications; 11 projects were selected for funding. Becker said the city emphasized neighbor-led projects and neighborhood backing when making awards and noted the total recommended funding was $39,415 for the cycle.

Examples Becker cited include a $2,000 partial award to the Barnwood neighborhood for the Karenni Traditional Festival, a $3,500 partial award for lighting improvements in the Burr Oaks neighborhood, a full award of $925 for Callaway Gardens island restoration, $5,000 to Cross Ridge Preservation Association to help redraft HOA bylaws, $6,000 for Eastland Park gap completion, $5,250 for Field Stone Farms mailbox updates, and $6,000 for a Highland Westin roundabout beautification project. Becker said some requests were only partially funded to stretch limited program dollars.

Becker thanked neighbors and the grants coordinator, Jake Moore, who helped manage the review and will assist homeowners with payments and project administration. Commissioners commended neighborhood leadership and approved the awards by roll call. Becker said recipients will be honored at the Community Impact Awards on March 24.

According to the presentation, the fall cycle had previously awarded 10 grants and led to eight completed projects; staff emphasized completion rates as evidence the program is working. The city manager and commissioners highlighted the program as an example of neighborhood-led investment in public space and community assets.

Commissioners moved to make the awards official by roll call vote; the record shows unanimous approval.