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Neighborhood programs report: grants expanded, NEC membership grows as staff capacity limits planning of new initiatives
Summary
Neighborhood Programs reported 62 grant applications last year, a growing grant disbursement rate and 39 neighborhoods in the Neighborhood Conservation Program; NEC chair Janet Fournier highlighted neighborhood events and volunteer engagement while staff said the program operates with roughly 1.5 FTE and has a wish list of additional capacity projects.
Neighborhood Programs coordinator Alyssa Workman briefed the committee on the Neighborhood Conservation Program and the Neighborhood Engagement Committee. Workman said the NCP supports non‑HOA neighborhoods north of 127th Street (39 total neighborhoods) with grants, neighborhood mailers and event support; last year the program received 62 grant applications and fully used its NCP grant budget.
“We we have 2 large neighborhood programs I oversee: the neighborhood conservation program and the neighborhood engagement committee,” Workman said, describing seed grants, gathering and connecting grants, and a popular package grant that provides dumpsters and logistics support for neighborhood cleanups. She told the committee the grant‑package model has become the most requested grant item because it reduces the administrative burden for neighborhood leaders.
Janet Fournier, NEC chair and Westbrook neighborhood leader, described neighborhood engagement successes: a recent dumpster day that served 52 cars, upcoming ice‑cream socials and safety talks, and strong volunteer participation. Fournier said the program helped neighbors feel safer and more connected and thanked staff for their work.
Throughout the discussion council members raised capacity and funding questions. Staff said Neighborhood Services currently operates with roughly 1.5 full‑time equivalents supporting the programs. Several council members suggested revisiting partnerships (for example, Habitat for Humanity or other nonprofits) or considering Rock the Block‑style programs as part of a broader budget conversation, and recommended a fuller discussion in the July budget cycle about additional staffing or program expansion.
