What are Neighborhood Projects Funds (NPF)?
NPF consists of two funds, the Neighborhood Street Fund and the Cumulative Reserve Subfund. These funds are a portion of Seattle’s city budget – approximately $1.2 Million in 2011 that is set aside for neighborhood improvements to streets and parks. These funds are unique because NPF projects are proposed by the community.

What projects can NPF money be used for?
NPF money can be used for small-scale (up to $90K per project) street or parks improvements, such as sidewalk repair, traffic circles and traffic calming, sidewalks, school zone speed limit signs, playground improvements, etc. NPF projects are required to meet the following criteria:

Projects funded by the Cumulative Reserve Subfund (approx. $1 Million total) can only be used for maintenance or repairs, projects which address safety issues, or upgrades related to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) like wheelchair access improvements; 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 (approx. $200K 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.

Who decides which projects will be funded?
Each District Council will review applications and choose three projects for detailed feasibility and cost analysis, with an additional two projects if needed. Then the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Parks and Recreation (Parks) will perform an analysis and provide feedback. The City will make funding decisions based on recommendations from District Councils, Parks and SDOT, with the final decision made by the Mayor. For more information, such as District Council meeting times, contact your District Coordinator (http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/npi/coordinators.htm):

How are proposals evaluated?
District Councils are looking for projects which meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Significant Impact: The project will have a widespread positive impact on the neighborhood as a whole.
• Neighborhood Plan Implementation: 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.
• Broad Support: The project has the support of multiple neighborhood or community groups. Both residential and business groups are encouraged to apply.
• Leveraging Opportunities: The project also qualifies for funding from another City source, and therefore leaves more NPF money available for other projects.
• Equity: 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.

What is the project review timeline?
The flow chart at the link above describes this year’s timeline.

When will projects be completed?
Proposals selected for funding will be implemented in 2011. Final decision to be made by Mayor’s Office and City Council.

How do I propose a project?
There is no city-wide open application process this year. District Councils will choose from a list of unfunded 2009 projects. District Councils can also accept up to two new project applications. If your District Council is accepting applications, use the form provided. You can also request an application for 2011 by calling Wendy Watson at 684-0719 or your District Coordinator.

Questions?
Contact your Neighborhood District Coordinator, or Veronica Sherman King at 684-0270/veronica.sherman@seattle.gov

Tips!
Get to know your District Council and talk to them about your proposal throughout the application and review process. They will play a central role in identifying neighborhood priorities to the City.