Renton Offers Mini-Grants to Foster Neighborhood Communication

Who knew Renton included more than 72 micro-neighborhoods?

Now those communities can improve inner-neighborhood communication through a city-sponsored mini-grant via Renton's Neighborhood Program. The program began as a means for the city to become more involved in each micro-community, foster resident involvement in city programs, bring neighbors together and strengthen communication between city officials and Renton residents.

"It's a bridge between government and citizens," said Neighborhood Program Coordinator Norma McQuiller.

All officially recognized neighborhoods are eligible for the communications grant, which is intended to cultivate stronger relationships between neighbors, and in turn reduce crime, improve the communities and create a better living environment.

This mini-grant will offer up to $1 per household to pay for printing or postage of community notices, newsletters, or posters. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Feb. 8.

Applications may be submitted by mail to 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057; by fax to 425-430- 6603; online at rentonwa.gov; or by email to nmcquiller@rentonwa.gov. 

Later this year the Neighborhood Program will offer project grants, which can be used for everything from playgrounds to community gardens to landscaping traffic circles. The only catch with the project grant, is that it must be matched with "sweat equity," or an equal value of community-driven labor. Click here to read a great blog post about a community mosaic funded by the program.

For more information, contact Norma McQuiller at 425-430-6595, or nmcquiller@rentonwa.gov.