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Committee approves 2026 neighborhood grant recommendations; staff highlights outreach and a small maintenance fund
Summary
The Finance Committee approved the 2026 neighborhood grant program recommendations and delegated execution authority for grant agreements. Planning staff said the program averages about 15 applicants with two to three first-time applicants and that a $3,200 maintenance reserve is available for small repairs this year.
The Madison Finance Committee unanimously approved the 2026 neighborhood grant program recommendations on April 13, authorizing administrative agreements and delegating execution authority to the finance director.
Linda Horvath of the city’s Planning department told the committee that the program typically receives about 15 applicants and that "we generally see about two or three out of around 15 applicants on average that are new to the program." She said several applicants who had never applied before are receiving funding this year.
Horvath described efforts to increase outreach, including translating materials into three languages, offering a video application option (used once or twice so far), targeted outreach to neighborhoods that rarely apply, and past workshops at libraries. She also noted a small maintenance reserve of about $3,200 set aside to repair neighborhood signs or similar damage; one applicant was expected to apply for that money if it is approved.
Alderman Figueroa Cole praised Linda Horvath’s engagement with applicants and said the staff work helps neighborhoods that receive no other funding. The committee recorded a unanimous vote to adopt the recommendations.
