CDBG Neighborhoods Program spurs beautification, improvements and sense of community

Pollinator gardens, community hammocks and grills are a few place-making ideas coming to life through the work of a new Neighborhood Revitalization Program - the "CDBG Neighborhoods Program" - an ongoing initiative coordinated through the City of Norman in collaboration with residents across the community.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and community visioning opportunities have paved the way for new improvements, various repairs and renovations in given areas. Groundwork for the program originally began in 2019, but pandemic events put a hold on many plans. Staff members Lisa Krieg and Tara Reynolds of the City of Norman's Planning & Community Development Department were anxious to pick the project back up, which has moved quickly in the past several months.

"This is a comprehensive approach to investing in people," Krieg said. "What we have are neighbors motivating one another and taking ownership in the place they call home."

The program has seen the creation of Voluntary Neighborhood Associations and neighbor-alongside-neighbor networking opportunities in the focus areas of Old Silk Stocking, Original Townsite and First Courthouse. In addition to federal funding, the City of Norman has invested $100,000 in Capital Project funds and consulted with the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma for further support.

"These are low-to-moderate income areas we are focusing on, and we have a 5-year commitment to these three neighborhoods," Krieg said. "Staff is sharing knowledge, tools and resources to start or complete general improvements and then the keys will be turned over to them completely."

A facet of the program includes an outward-facing digital platform on which neighbors can report concerns or issues, or submit ideas to share with other neighbors at any time.

"It's been really inspiring to see people coming together and taking such pride in where they live," Krieg said. "We're looking forward to continuing this work and empowering our neighbors."