TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Jeri Pryor, Director, Neighborhood and Community Services
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: May 19, 2026
Title
LOVE YOUR BLOCK 2026-2028 GRANT CONSIDERATION
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve the authorization of the application process for the for Love Your Block program- a two-year, $270,000 grant to fund program implementation and staffing for neighborhood improvement projects.
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Background:
The Love Your Block grant program, powered by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, is a national initiative providing mini-grants and program support for resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects. The grant connects city staff with neighborhood leaders to combat blight, build community pride, and promote public safety by awarding $1,500-$5,000 in community project funding for applying organizations over the course of the grant period.
Over the two-year term, selected cities will receive $70,000 in funding for projects in a selected, high priority neighborhood and $200,000 in funding for two program fellows to oversee project implementation and completion. If awarded, eligible grant projects include, but are not limited to, beautification and green space enhancements, landscaping, infrastructure in public areas, community gardens, public art, public park improvement, and neighborhood clean ups. Ineligible projects include, but are not limited to, projects outside of selected high priority neighborhood, home interior renovations, roof repair or replacement, equipment purchases, repair of sea walls, and payment for services.
The City of Delray Beach will seek funding by applying to the program by its June 1st deadline. The grant will be overseen by the Neighborhood and Community Services Department and distributed according to the grant guidelines. All organizations, property owners, and community leads will be required to apply for the mini-grants for eligible projects. Technical assistance, training, and programmatic support will be provided by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University if awarded.
City Attorney Review:
N/A
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
No financial impact on the city.
Timing of Request:
This request is time sensitive due to the upcoming application deadline of June 1st, 2026.