Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR AN AARP 2025 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANT.
Brief Description: AARP awards annual grant funding that benefits residents, especially those 50+, by improving public spaces, adding transportation or mobility options, supporting an array of housing options, increasing digital connections, or supporting community resilience. The City could receive up to $25,000 in grant funding for public wi-fi improvement on the downtown greens, including replacement of outdated infrastructure.
Body
Legislative History
"None"
Purpose & Explanation
AARP has awarded over $20 million dollars since 2017 to 1,000 communities through the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative. Funded projects help communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress in support of residents of all ages. Examples included connectivity projects. Awards can be up to $25,000 with the average award being $10,000 to $12,000.
In January 2025, Assistant IT Director Will Ersing submitted a Staff Report to the City Manager highlighting the current state of connectivity within downtown and recommended infrastructure upgrades as current equipment ages and demand for public wi-fi grows (See Attachment A). The two projects highlighted were:
1. First Area: Primary green spaces, such as the Clocktower Green, Gazebo Green, Baldwin-Buss House Merino Green (Park Lane), and the First and Main Green.
a. Size: Approximately 264,000 square feet.
b. Cost: Estimated at $25,000.
c. Infrastructure: Leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate the timeline.
2. Second Area: All outdoor spaces in the downtown area, including N. Main St, the entirety of First and Main, the Boy Scout Cabin Green, and the green east of the cabin.
a. Size: Approximately 500,000 square feet.
b. Cost: An additional $65,000.
The "First Area" would be an ideal consideration for the AARP 2025 Community Challenge grant as the project coul...
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