2013 Neighborhood Park and Street Fund (NPSF)

Application deadline is February 4, 2013

Download Fact Sheet and Application Below

2013 Fact Sheet
2013 Application

What is the Neighborhood Park and Street Fund (NPSF)?

These funds are a portion of Seattle's city budget - approximately $1.2 million in 2013 (pending final budget approval)- that are set aside for neighborhood improvements to streets and parks. These funds are unique because NPSF projects are proposed by the community.

What projects can NPSF money be used for?

The NPSF can be used for projects valued up to $90K to fund park or street improvements.

Examples of park projects include: playground improvements, trail upgrades, tennis or basketball court repaving, park benches or tables, natural area renovations, and accessibility improvements.

Examples of street projects include: crossing improvements such as marked crosswalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian countdown signals; and traffic calming, such as traffic circles, median islands, and speed feedback signs. This funding source may be used for sidewalk repair and, rarely, for short segments of sidewalk construction (less than 100 feet, or one third of a block). New sidewalks are typically more expensive than this funding allows.

Who decides which projects will be funded?

The NPSF is a competitive process and not all projects will be funded. Each Neighborhood District Council will review applications and select three projects to forward to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Parks and Recreation (Parks) for detailed feasibility and cost analysis. Funding decisions are based on recommendations from District Councils, Parks and SDOT, with the final decisions made by the Mayor. For more information, contact your District Coordinator.http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nsc/coordinators.htm

How are proposals evaluated?

Neighborhood District Councils are looking for projects which meet the fund source criteria listed above and also will consider the following:

• Significant Impact: The project will have a widespread positive impact on the neighborhood as a whole.
• Broad Support: The project has the support of multiple neighborhood or community groups. Both residential and business groups are encouraged to apply.
  
• Leveraging Opportunities: The project also qualifies for funding from another City source, and therefore leaves more NPF money available for other projects.
  
• Equity: Funding is to be equitably shared among the districts over time. Neighborhoods that are already   receiving significant public investment from other sources may be also given lower priority.
  

What is the project review timeline?

When will projects be completed?
Proposals selected for funding will be implemented in 2014.

Tips!

Get to know your Neighborhood District Council and talk to them about your proposal throughout the application and review process. They will play a central role in identifying neighborhood priorities to the City.