Vision 2025 Neighborhood Fund Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Fund?
On September 9, 2003, the voters of Tulsa County approved a one-penny, 13-year increase in the Tulsa County Sales Tax, for regional economic development and capital improvements. (Since Boeing did not choose to locate its 7E7 assembly facility in Tulsa, only 6/10 of a penny will be collected.)  Proposition Four of Vision 2025 included approximately $2.1 million for neighborhood projects in the City of Tulsa.

The purpose of these funds is to support neighborhood projects including, but not limited to, signage, neighborhood entranceways/gateways, landscaping and neighborhood assessment (evaluation and planning) projects.

What is the Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Fund Task Force?
The Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Fund Task Force includes neighborhood representatives from across the city, each nominated by a City Councilor and appointed by the Mayor. The Task Force has researched similar neighborhood programs in other cities, waded through the numerous and complex legal and financial issues involved in spending county tax dollars on local neighborhood projects, and has developed Tulsa Neighborhood Fund guidelines and application forms.

When will Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Funds For the Phase Funding Cycle be available?  
Vision 2025 sales tax funds are collected on an ongoing basis to fund county-wide Vision 2025 projects.  Many projects will be funded with the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds as those bonds are sold.

Projects for the first and second funding cycle for the Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Funds have been recommended for funding and will be implemented by the City’s Public Works Department. 

The deadline for submitting a Concept Screening Form for a project in the third funding cycle, of approximately  $900,000, will be May 22, 2006.

What is the process for implementing a neighborhood project with Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Funds?
Project ideas will be developed by neighborhood groups themselves. The process for developing a project and submitting a project concept is described in the Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Fund Guidelines, which will be available on April 8th, 2006. They can be found online, at City of Tulsa Public Works Department (2317 S. Jackson) and at public libraries.

Potential applicants should review those guidelines carefully, and build neighborhood consensus for a project idea.  To submit a project, you must submit a simple, two-page “Concept Screening Form” to the City’s Public Works Department, by May 22, 2006 at the address listed on the form.   

Applicants whose projects ideas pass the concept screening phase, during this funding cycle, will receive a lengthier “Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Fund Application,” requesting more detailed information. 

If your application is recommended for funding, and based on your project’s ranking compared to other projects, the Public Works Department will implement your project, in partnership with your neighborhood group.

Can only formal neighborhood associations apply?
No. The guidelines state that, in addition to formal neighborhood and homeowners’ associations, ad hoc groups of neighbors may form a committee solely for the purpose of completing and maintaining a neighborhood project. Even ad hoc groups, however, must register with the Mayor’s Office for Neighborhoods. All organizations within a neighborhood’s boundaries should attempt to collaborate toward one application for the area.

How do we register with the Mayor’s Office for Neighborhoods?
You can register on-line or call 596-1292. There is no cost to register with the Mayor’s Office for Neighborhoods.

Are there any funding limits?
 Each application for Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Funds is limited to a maximum  $25,000 award.

Are matching funds required?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to leverage Vision 2025 Neighborhood Funds with donated cash, goods, and professional services. While matching funds are not strictly required, a strong commitment of neighborhood participation and support is required.  If the total of all applications submitted exceeds available funding, matching contributions are among the criteria by which projects will be compared and scored.

Can we only submit one application at a time?
Yes, if sufficient funding is available, successful applicants may submit another “Concept Screening Form” during the next funding cycle, for another project or another component of the completed project.  However, projects that have not received prior funding will be given preference over those applications that have received money before.

Who do we contact if we have more questions?
Please review the guidelines thoroughly. They should address most of your questions. If, after reviewing the guidelines and forms, you have further questions, please submit them to 2025neighbors@cityoftulsa.org. You may also contact your area’s representative on the Vision 2025 Tulsa Neighborhood Fund Task Force (whose names are listed in the guidelines).