Neighborhoods consider new funding "Framework"

Now is a crucial time to support your neighborhood organization
(1 Feb 08) by Eric Gustafson, CNO Staff

On December 20, 2007, the City Council heard recommendations on the future of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. NRP funding is the backbone of Minneapolis’ 61 neighborhood groups, and the council chambers were packed with residents. The “NRP Work Group” charged with providing recommendations included Council Members Johnson, Lilligren, Ostrow, and Hodges, the Mayor’s office, and NRP Director Robert Miller.

While the Work Group’s proposed “Framework for the Future” would support neighborhood staff and an “Investment Fund” to address neighborhood and citywide issues, its finer points are cause for concern, says CNO Executive Director Amy Arcand, who attended the meeting.

“The funding would be insufficient to sustain staff and programming,” she said. “Their proposal is based on a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Arcand also expressed concern that the Framework has no dedicated funding source, and would be subject to the City’s annual budget process. “Neighborhood funding would be far from sustainable,” she said.

The City is currently seeking feedback on the Framework proposal. Arcand hopes residents will learn more and submit comments, as the Framework will significantly impact CNO and the Corcoran neighborhood.

Residents are invited to a CNO meeting on Feb. 20 at 6:00 pm at 3451 Cedar Ave S. Staff and board members will answer questions and gather comments from as many residents as possible. There’s never been a more important time to support your neighborhood organization. If you have questions about the meeting or the feedback process, please call Amy Arcand at 612-724-7457.