Title
Update on the Love Your Block Grants Program - Citywide
Description
This report provides background and an update on the City of Phoenix’s Love Your Block (LYB) Grants Program, highlighting program achievements, community outcomes, and the partnerships that continue to advance neighborhood revitalization efforts citywide.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
The Love Your Block Grants Program was launched in February 2015, following Phoenix’s selection as one of seven U.S. cities to receive a $30,000 Cities of Service grant. This national initiative, supported by the Bloomberg Center and Johns Hopkins University, aimed to help city leaders strengthen quality of life in neighborhoods through resident-led service projects.
With the initial grant, the Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) awarded $1,000 mini grants to 32 neighborhood organizations’ projects. These projects leveraged extensive in-kind and volunteer support from local businesses, residents, and community partners. During the first four years, nearly 3,000 volunteers participated in efforts such as beautification projects, tree plantings, mural installations, and neighborhood cleanups. These early successes demonstrated the program’s ability to mobilize residents, reduce blight, and build stronger connections between community members and City staff.
Ten years after its launch, Love Your Block remains a key component of NSD’s neighborhood engagement strategy. Through partnerships, such as those with the Public Works and Water Services departments, NSD increased individual grant awards to up to $5,000. These investments have supported 30 community designed projects to date that enhance public safety, improve neighborhood appearance, and foster sustained resident engagement in local problem-solving.
Beyond grant oversight, NSD staff play a direct role in helping neighborhood groups shape project ideas, navigate the application process, recruit volunteers, and coordinate City services. These partnerships have strengthened trust between residents and City departments, reinforcing a shared commitment to safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities.
2026-2027 Love Your Block Grant Cycle
NSD will begin accepting applications for the 2026-2027 grant cycle on April 27. Eligibility is open to neighborhood groups registered with NSD’s Neighborhood LINK system. To expand opportunities, groups that received LYB funding within the past two years will not be eligible for this cycle.
For the upcoming cycle, the Public Works and Water Services departments will each contribute $20,000, enabling eight neighborhood groups to receive grants of up to $5,000. In alignment with these departments’ priorities, applicants are encouraged to integrate sustainability and water conservation components into their proposed projects. These focus areas support the City’s broader environmental stewardship and resource management goals.
Applications will be accepted through May 26, 2026. Throughout the application window, NSD Neighborhood Specialists will offer one-on-one guidance to help groups develop project concepts, strengthen proposals, and understand all program requirements. This support is an essential feature of the LYB program and one of the reasons it continues to deliver successful, community driven results.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Neighborhood Services Department.