The city is taking applications for the projects that can be funded through the Neighborhood Projects Fund, such as traffic circles, sidewalk repair, or playground improvements.

There are two funds set aside in the 2010 city budget for community-proposed streets and parks projects, approximately $1.2 million.

Neighborhood Project Funds can be used for small-scale (up to $90,000 per project) street or parks improvements, such as sidewalk repair, traffic circles and traffic calming, sidewalks, school zone speed limit signs and playground improvements, etc.

Proposed projects are required to meet the following criteria:

Projects must be related to the maintenance or repair of existing structures (not new construction) and must relate to the implementation of an existing Neighborhood Plan. View Neighborhood Plans online at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/npi/plans.htm.

Projects funded by the Neighborhood Street Fund portion (approx. $200,000 total) must be transportation-related. These projects may include new construction and do not have to relate to Neighborhood Plans, but there is less money to go around in this fund.

Each District Council will review applications and choose five projects for detailed feasibility and cost analysis. Then the Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle Parks and Recreation will perform the analysis and provide feedback. The district council's will rank their top projects in order of priority and the city will make funding recommendations to the mayor based on these priorities.

In general, district councils are looking for projects which meet one or more of the following criteria:

The project will have a widespread positive impact on the neighborhood as a whole.

The project implements one or more recommendations in an adopted neighborhood plan. Priority will be given to projects that are located in or provide service to urban centers and villages.

The project has the support of multiple neighborhood or community groups. Both residential and business groups are encouraged to apply.

The project also qualifies for funding from another city source, and therefore leaves more money available for other projects.

Funding is to be equitably shared among the districts over time. Neighborhoods that are already receiving significant public investment from other sources may be also given lower priority.

Applications are due to the city by Feb. 27 and approved projects will be implemented in 2010.

To learn more or apply, go to www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/btgnsfcrf. Or, please contact Brenda Belcher at Brenda.belcher@seattle.govor (206) 684-0607.