City Now Accepting Community Enhancement Project Nominations
December 2, 2019 – The Wilsonville-Metro Community Enhancement Program, which provides funding for a wide array of community-led improvement projects, is accepting project nominations until Jan. 31, 2020.
Eligible projects can improve the appearance or environmental quality of the community, increase reuse and recycling opportunities or improve recreational areas and programs. Any individual or local business may nominate a Community Enhancement project.
Those interested in pursuing funding for a Community Enhancement project are invited to:
- Contact Zoe Monahan to set up a preliminary discussion (required to ensure high-quality proposals).
- Attend an optional informational session on Dec. 19 at the Wilsonville Library
- Complete the nomination form, available at ci.wilsonville.or.us/CEP.
- Submit the form as directed before the Jan. 31 deadline.
Submitted proposals are to be evaluated by the Wilsonville-Metro Community Enhancement Committee, which includes Mayor Tim Knapp, City Councilor Joann Linville, four appointed community members (David Davis, Amanda Johnson, Olive Gallagher and TBD) and Metro Councilor Craig Dirksen. The committee expects to announce award recipients in early spring.
Funded by a per-ton charge on biodegradable solid-waste, the Community Enhancement Program is provided to all cities with a waste-transfer facility, including the Willamette Resources Inc. facility in Wilsonville operated by Republic Services.
More than $30,000 in community enhancement funds are available to support projects that “rehabilitate and enhance” areas within Wilsonville city limits. Funded projects must start after July 1, 2020, and completed within two years. In lieu of an annual distribution of funds, the Committee may opt to accumulate funds for up to three years to underwrite a larger project.
Community Enhancement Project goals can include:
- Improving the appearance or environmental quality of the community.
- Reducing the amount or toxicity of waste and increase reuse and recycling opportunities.
- Upgrading property owned or operated by a nonprofit organization.
- Preserving or enhancing wildlife habitat, riparian zones, wetlands, forest lands, and/or improving the public awareness and access.
- Expanding recreational areas and programs.
- Benefiting underserved populations.
Project funded in recent years include the Graham Oaks Pedestrian Crossing Improvements, the Memorial Park dog park relocation, the “Bee Stewards” pollinator improvement project and many others.
The City’s public engagement website, “Let’s Talk, Wilsonville!”, includes a Community Enhancement “ideas board” where community members may suggest projects that meet the above criteria.
For more information, contact Zoe Monahan, project coordinator, at 503-570-1503; monahan@ci.wilsonville.or.us.
- # # # -
