Topeka Dreams Neighborhood Improvement Initiatives Program (NIIP)

The Topeka DREAMS Neighborhood Improvement Initiatives Program (NIIP) is a neighborhood investment partnership program between the City of Topeka and area Neighborhood Improvement Associations (NIAs). The program is designed to assist NIAs with improving their neighborhoods through, community collaboration, neighborhood planning, public infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing and housing rehabilitation in low and moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods of Topeka. This partnership allows for the planning, design and completion of projects that address current conditions, and the identification of goals for future neighborhood infrastructure, housing, and other quality of life improvements. The City works to implement the priority projects, identified by the community, into the City of Topeka’s Capital Improvement Plan, Capital Improvement Budget and annual Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block (CDBG) Funding priorities for neighborhood projects through three initiative levels.

Bi-Annual selection of one active NIA (Intensive Care or At-risk with block group of 2.0 health score) to receive up to $1.4 million in infrastructure improvement investments + $150,000 in Utilities Infrastructure Improvements + up to $330,000 in housing rehab improvements/affordable housing investments.

As part of the Neighborhood Improvement Initiatives Program (NIIP), up to $1.4 million of the City of Topeka’s Capital Improvement Funding, and $150,000 of Utilities Funding for public infrastructure improvements, will be invested in one Intensive Care or At-Risk neighborhood (restricted to those with At Risk block groups in danger of becoming Intensive Care (health scores = 2.0 or lower from latest health update)* in Topeka bi-annually. Additionally, up to $330,000 in HUD funding will be invested for housing rehabilitation and potentially affordable housing.

The City of Topeka will coordinate with the recipient neighborhood to develop a Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan that outlines the current conditions of the neighborhood, identifies goals for the future, creates a future land use map, and includes neighborhood-specific elements (e.g., Infrastructure, housing, and other quality of life improvements). Infrastructure funding invested in this program will allow for implementation of priority projects outlined in the approved Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan.

Note: The DREAMS 1 Awardee will not receive DREAMS 2 or DREAMS 3 project grants during the current award year.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Neighborhood DREAMS 1 awardee must wait at least one funding cycle after being awarded to re-apply.
2. Funding priority for projects will be given to infrastructure projects identified in the target area and no more than 5% of the infrastructure budget will be spent on public parks.
3. Funding for park amenities require at least 50% matching funds and should constitute no more than 5% of the overall infrastructure budget. The 50% matching funds may be financed through other sources such as community groups (associations), public and private entities, non-profits, government entities, and Shawnee County Parks and Recreation.

Current Implementation Schedule

• 2022: Application/Selection
• 2023: Planning
• 2024: Design
• 2025: Construction

Bi-Annual selection of four NIAs to receive between $100,000 up to $1,000,000 each in infrastructure improvement investments and four NIAs to receive major/minor housing rehab improvements/affordable housing investments.

As part of the Neighborhood Improvement Initiatives Program (NIIP), up to $1.4 million (between $100,000 up to $1,000,000 per neighborhood) of the City of Topeka’s Capital Improvement Funding, and $150,000 of Utilities funding for public infrastructure improvements will be divided and invested into four LMI neighborhoods in Topeka bi-annually. Funding may also be used as local match funding for larger public improvements. Additionally, $330,000 in HUD housing funds may be awarded to up to four LMI neighborhoods. These housing funds will be awarded for major/minor housing rehab improvements on a first-come-first-serve basis by any income-eligible household in the selected neighborhoods.

The City of Topeka will coordinate with the recipient neighborhoods to develop and implement projects that address current conditions and align with neighborhood goals for infrastructure, housing, and other quality of life improvements. Interested community partners may also partner with area NIAs to apply for grants for infrastructure and housing.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

1. Funding priority for projects will be given to infrastructure projects and no more than 5% of the infrastructure budget will be spent on public parks.
2. Funding for park amenities require at least 50% matching funds and should constitute no more than 5% of the overall infrastructure budget. The 50% matching funds may be financed through other sources such as community groups (associations), public and private entities, non-profits, government entities, and Shawnee County Parks and Recreation.

Current Implementation Schedule

• 2022: Application/Selection/Planning
• 2023: Design
• 2024: Construction

Annual selection of multiple NIAs to receive between $1,000 and up to $50,000 in mini-grant funding. Total of $200,000 in annual funding available ($140,000 (GO Bond Funds) + $60,000 (CDBG Funds)) for small infrastructure improvements, neighborhood beautification and community building grants.

The Topeka Neighborhood Dreams Fund is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and from the City’s General Obligation (GO) Bonds. These funds are used to support a variety of small neighborhood based public projects or local match funds for larger public projects. Projects must be located within predominately low/moderate income (LMI) neighborhoods. Program priorities include community engagement, infrastructure improvements and neighborhood empowerment and pride. $200,000 ($60,000 (CDBG) and ($140,000 (GO) Bonds)) is available to award grants ranging from $1,000 up to $50,000 annually in this program. Interested community partners may also partner with area NIAs to apply for grants for infrastructure.

Implementation Schedule

• 2022: Application/Selection
• 2023: Projects Implemented/Constructed

Informational Workshop & Applications Available.

Neighborhood Planning, Priorities, & Goals Consultation Meetings – NIA sign-up deadline – May 13

• Review current neighborhood plans
• Propose/discuss changes to current plans
• Discuss ideas for potential neighborhood projects

Parks & Recreation Projects Consultation Meetings - NIA sign-up deadline May 20

• Review current neighborhood park plans
• Discuss ideas for proposed projects
• Staff determine/provide feasibility, scope, project budget, and other project requirements

Neighborhood Projects Consultation Meetings – NIA sign-up deadline May 20

• Discuss ideas for proposed projects
• Staff determine/provide feasibility, scope, project budget, other project requirements

Housing Services Workshop – NIA sign-up deadline July 1

• Learn more about eligibility for Housing Rehab Programs (Major & Minor Rehab, Other Housing Services Programs)

Applications due to Community Engagement: by hand delivery/mail to 215 E 7th Street, 1st Floor, Suite 150; or electronically to lburnett@topeka.org by 5:00 p.m.

*must include all necessary scope and budget estimates and project recommendations provided by City, County, State, Federal, partnering entities, etc.

CAC Selection

• DREAMS 1 NIA (One Intensive Care or At-Risk neighborhood) up to $1.4M infrastructure + $150,000 utilities & $330K Housing
• DREAMS 2 NIAs up to Four NIAs selected to receive between $100,000 - $1M infrastructure and utilities (as needed up to program max of $1.4M infrastructure + $150,000 utilities). Up to Four NIAs to receive housing funds (as needed up to program max of $330,000).
• DREAMS 3 NIAs (Multiple NIAs) Annual Program Fund Project Grant Awards between $1,000 - $50,000.

City Council Meetings

• 10/18 - Presentation to City Council
• 11/8 - Tentative City Council Approval