Council approves $71,200 amendment to expand Good Neighbor grants and pilot code-enforcement aid

The Common Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-257 on May 26, adding $71,200 to an agreement with Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Inc. (GoHi) to fund additional Good Neighbor grants, community-building and a pilot code enforcement grant program.

Liz Last, executive director of Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Inc., told council GoHi has supported 26 neighborhood associations since 2016 and that demand for the $750 Good Neighbor curb-appeal grants surged this year; GoHi received 75 applications after shortening the application window from 60 to 30 days. Last said the organization distributed more than $146,000 in grants from 2020–2025 and that in 2026 the group received $50,000 in ARPA funds and additional foundation support; the requested $71,200 would fund 30 additional Good Neighbor grants, community building and engagement funds for four new neighborhood associations, and support code enforcement grants of up to $5,000 for eligible homeowners.

Council members praised the program’s leverage of small grants to produce outsized neighborhood investment. Council Member Stevenson called the code-enforcement grant idea “super interesting” and said the Good Neighbor grants have demonstrable benefits for curb appeal and neighborhood investment. Staff said the code enforcement grants would be referral-based, administered as a pilot in 2026, and could assist up to five homeowners with up to $5,000 each.

The resolution includes a budget amendment of $71,200 and passed on a roll-call vote.

What happens next: GoHi will administer the expanded Good Neighbor grant cycle and coordinate with city staff to stand up the 2026 pilot code-enforcement grants; staff will monitor results and report back to council.

Vote record: Approved (unanimous).