Commission seeks input on new grant program

Will discuss neighborhood association grants at January 24 meeting

The City Commission will discuss a new program of neighborhood grants at its January 24 meeting, but first it wants to receive input on how such a program should be structured. The Commission authorized money in this year’s budget for neighborhood association grants, but since the program is new, there are no guidelines or procedures for its administration.

That is about to change.

To inaugurate this pioneer program, the Commission is seeking input from the community on just how such a program should be designed. At its December 13 meeting, the Commission received a report from staff outlining some of the elements that need to be considered in creating such a program and some of the ways such a program might be developed.

The report identifies three areas that needed to be addressed in building the grant program:
1. Developing criteria to determine the eligibility of grant recipients;
2. Developing criteria to determine the eligibility of grant projects; and
3. Developing an application process.

Within each of these areas, the staff report outlines several "either / or" options for the Commission to consider. After a review of the report and receiving public input, the Commission may adopt most, some or none of the options. The report is intended to be a "discussion starter."

In gathering suggestions to be included in the report, staff drew from a number of sources including similar programs in other cities, neighborhood associations in St. Augustine and other city departments. Click below to read the report.

Neighborhood Association Grants Summary of Options Report

Research Sources

In doing their own research, members of the public may wish to review guidelines for well established neighborhood grant programs in other cities. Staff drew on guidelines from programs in a number of other cities including those listed below.

All of the information from these other programs is available in the resource library in the Neighborhood Council office at City Hall

These entities have applications and information on-line:

• Jacksonville, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Hillsborough County, Florida (Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace)
• Kissimmee, Florida
• Sarasota, Florida
• Charlotte/Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

These entities have limited grant application information online, but have very well organized neighborhood services offices. Copies of their grant information are available in the resource library in the Neighborhood Council office at City Hall.

• James City County, Virginia (Williamsburg)
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Savannah, Georgia

The Public’s Point of View

The Commission is now seeking input from the community before it will again discuss the program at its meeting on January 24.

Members of the public wishing to review the staff’s summary of options may clink on the link above. Those wishing to have a copy mailed or emailed to them may call 904.825.1053, or may visit the Neighborhood Council Office, 1st floor, City Hall.

Comments may be sent to the Commission or city staff:

• by email cosa@aug.com,
• by fax to 904.825.1096, or
• by mail to Neighborhood Council Office, P. O. Box 210, St. Augustine, FL 32085.

Click here to learn more about St. Augustine's neighborhood associations

 

< Return Home