$3M Approved for Neighborhood Improvement Projects

​​During the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Hearings, the Board approved $3,000,000 in funding, budgeted in the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund, for a Neighborhood Improvement Initiative (NII). The NII aims to target the elimination of blight and enhance public spaces through investments in projects improving safety and livability in underserved areas of the County, with a specific focus on Environmental Justice (EJ) communities, commercial corridors and areas adjacent to vacant or blighted properties.

"I am extremely proud of this investment," said Third District Supervisor Rich Desmond. "The Neighborhood Improvement Initiative is funding projects that are really important to many of our communities and are crucial to their identity, pride and sense of place."

"This initiative really reflects our support of the diverse needs in the County," said Board Chair and Second District Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. "We're not just revitalizing spaces; we're improving safety, connections and dignity in our communities."

The Board directed the Office of Economic Development (OED) to conduct extensive outreach to develop a comprehensive list of potential projects for the NII. Over the summer and fall of 2023, OED, in collaboration with the Supervisorial District Offices and County Departments of Transportation and Community Development, met with community partners, residents, and businesses through community meetings and online engagement to gather feedback and allow the public to suggest projects.

County staff evaluated project feasibility and community benefits within each Supervisorial District for recommendations to receive NII funding. On May 7, 2024, the Board approved the allocation of all $3,000,000 for 12 projects, primarily within EJ communities, commercial corridors and/or areas adjacent to vacant or blighted properties located throughout each Supervisorial District. A full report of the projects are available to view online.