Early Action Activities As Part of the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant
As a part of the $500,000 HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant, awardees can use up to $100,000 of that total amount towards an Early Action Activity (or multiple projects if they choose).
Our project(s) must be decided upon and submitted to HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) for approval in the first week of October. Once approved, we must start the project immediately in order to be finished by the end of the grant period (September 2025). The approved project must fit within the budget available and be able to be fully implemented in the timeframe given.
The Early Action Activities are meant to have an immediate positive impact in the community! The activities can be things like Art Murals, Farmer’s Markets, Beautification Projects, Neighborhood Signage.
Some examples of activities that the funds CAN be used for are:
Turning vacant property into community gardens, pocket parks, or farmers markets
Beautification, placemaking, and community arts projects, such as creative signage to enhance neighborhood branding, murals and sculptures, specialty streetscaping, or garden tool loan programs
Owner-occupied home or business façade improvement programs
Fresh food initiatives, such as farmers markets and mobile fresh food vendors
Gap financing for economic development projects that are ready to implement and have secured all the necessary funding except for a modest gap.
Early Action Funds CANNOT be used for the following:
Non-physical uses
Supportive services
Administrative costs
Marketing
Basic infrastructure (streets, sidewalks)
Basic municipal services (sanitation, mail delivery)
Housing development activities
Acquisition of new property
Relocation
Demolition costs
Remediation
Rehabilitation
Construction
The Process for Selection:
Our collection period for the Early Action Activities will be from July 15th through August 15th. You can submit an idea here or go to The Heart Of West Lakes Wellness Center at 710 S. Tampa Avenue Suite 209 to fill out a form in person.
The Choice Executive Committee will advance submissions that meet the two criteria:
Fitting within the budget available
Able to be implemented within the required timeframe
Our Strategic Advisory Group will further narrow down the projects to those that have the greatest impact on the community. This meeting will be held on August 23rd, 8:30–10:30 AM. It is an open meeting if you wish to attend, please RSVP. Notes will also be made available after the meeting at choice-orlando.com.
The Community will vote on the final activity (or activities) at the September community meeting (Exact Date/Time/Location TBD)