DCI Annual Report 2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NEIGHBORHOOD CONSORTIUM To encourage inclusive civic parƟ cipaƟ on citywide, the Neighborhood ConsorƟ um collaborates and exchanges knowledge across Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons and serves as a representaƟ ve body on behalf of Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons to City administraƟ on, City programs, and other City iniƟ aƟ ves.   Comprised of leadership from Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons, the Neighborhood ConsorƟ um held four meeƟ ngs in 2024, featuring representaƟ ves from over fourteen neighborhoods. Featured speakers for these meeƟ ngs included Venues, Parks, and Arts, Public Works, MACOG, Transpo, and the Mayor’s Offi ce. In June, the neighbirhood associaƟ ons held a roundtable event to share best pracƟ ces, hear from city departments, and idenƟ fy common areas of interest. The ConsorƟ um also created an online map showing neighborhood boundaries in South Bend and a scannable QR code for residents to fi nd the Neighborhood AssociaƟ on to which they belong. IGNITE GRANT The IGNITE (InnovaƟ on Grants for Neighborhood InformaƟ on, TransformaƟ on, and Enhancement) Grant Program provides a $15,000 grant to South Bend Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons to design and implement a neighborhood-based project with community- wide benefi t. New in 2024, two neighborhoods can apply in a joint applicaƟ on for a total of $30,000 for a collaboraƟ ve project. In 2024, the City had 9 neighborhoods apply with 7 single applicaƟ ons and 1 joint applicaƟ on. The IGNITE Grant helps South Bend Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons to develop neighborhood-based projects, including beauƟ fi caƟ on, neighborhood signage, public art, public space enhancement, and more. In its fi rst two years, the IGNITE Grant program has distributed $170,000 in grants to Neighborhood AssociaƟ ons. ENGAGEMENT & ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2024 37