Since January of 2008, Tamarac has given $43,000, with matching grants, to neighborhood partnerships for beautification and improvement projects; all of it part of the Neighborhood Partnership Program, designed to enhance neighborhood vitality and increase communication with residents.

At the end of February, commissioners formally approved and amended the project.

One of the amendments passed by commissioners is allowing grants to be used on private property. “Staff has fielded numerous requests for capital improvements on private property. Given that the intent of the program is to enhance neighborhood vitality throughout the city, staff believes that the policy should be revised to permit improvements on private property that are visible to the general public,” wrote Jennifer Bramley, director of community development.

In order to receive funding, organizations and residents who apply must provide a matching grant, which can include in-kind services. The maximum grant for single-family neighborhoods is $5,000 and $2,500 for multi-family neighborhoods. Community organizations and homeowners and neighborhood associations that apply must be at least five years old and nonprofit organizations. Landscaping, signage and lighting and traffic-calming devices are among the projects eligible for funding.