What is a Neighborhood betterment project?
A neighborhood betterment project is a neighborhood plan implementation project that empowers neighborhood residents to complete a project. A neighborhood betterment project has three primary goals:
Activate resident skills and participation with implementing projects from an approved neighborhood plan.
Networking for the Neighborhood Association and relationship building with neighborhood residents.
Build capacity in implementing the neighborhood plan by empowering residents to take the lead on neighborhood plan projects.
These three goals work in-tandem to help increase capacity and volunteer support for neighborhood projects the Neighborhood Associations so they can continue to focus on all the other great initiatives they’re working on. This is a new process so feedback will be appreciated to understand emerging opportunities and challenges of engaging residents as project leaders.
What is my role as a resident who wants to submit a project?
Project Leaders: Resident or Resident Group
Submit Project Proposal (see resources section)
Budgets
Timelines
Milestones
Project Narrative
Connection to Neighborhood Plan
b. If project is selected, implement the project in 2024.
c. During Implementation, complete Project Progress Reports (more information later, if project is selected).
d. Attend regular weekly check-in meetings with Project Connector: Nolan Bergstrom, Community Planner)
Project Connector: Nolan Bergstrom, Community Planner (City of Kalamazoo)
SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT BELOW. PLEASE REVIEW THE PREVIOUS SECTIONS ON THIS WEBPAGE FIRST.
Timeline (extended):
February 10th to April 26, 2024
a. Informational Sessions + Submission Period for residents
April 26th, 2024
a. Deadline for resident submissions.
April 26th - May 1st, 2024
a. Review of submitted projects using Project Checklist.
May 1st, 2024
a. Final deadline to select winning neighborhood betterment project.
May 1st to 5th, 2024
a. Announcement of winning neighborhood betterment project
May – December
a. Project Implementation
b. Start date no later than May
c. End date no later than December 15th
CONSISTENT WITH PLANS:
Neighborhood Plans click the link to check out the City of Kalamazoo Plans