Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Committee Meeting – May 13, 2026

The Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Committee of the City of Fitchburg met on May 13, 2026, to review grantee updates, discuss a proposed redesign of the grant program, share one-on-one meeting takeaways, and plan neighborhood engagement. The meeting began at 5:00 PM and adjourned at 6:56 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from April 8, 2026: Moved by Alder Maldonado, seconded by Ms. Eunice, approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public appearances for non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• 2025 Grantee Updates: The committee reviewed slides and reports from seven organizations: Allied Food Pantry, Active Youth, Boys and Girls Club, Madison Reading Project, Badger Prairie Needs, Munch, and Rooted. Several organizations (Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Multicultural Center, Otto Leopold PFO, Route to Rise, Unidos) did not submit slides. The committee agreed the slide format was a better use of time than in-person presentations. Staff will send a follow-up email offering a second opportunity for those who missed the deadline to submit for the next meeting.
• Working Meeting Discussion: Staff proposed pausing the grant program for 2027 to redesign it. The new model would fund four or more organizations, each responsible for programming in one of the four priority neighborhoods (Verona Road West, Allied/Belmont, North Fish Hatchery, Southdale). Resident input would be gathered through a grant simulation game at summer community events, where residents allocate “fake money” to priority areas (e.g., food security, workforce development, youth mentoring). The committee discussed concerns about the funding pause, capacity, and the need to align with the broader strategic plan. Members expressed support for holding a working meeting to flesh out details, with the first meeting likely in June.
• One-on-One Meeting Recap: Staff shared key themes from recent individual meetings with committee members: excitement about engagement, ambiguity about the committee role, and need for clear communication. Proposed next steps: each member attend at least one neighborhood event this summer and report back objectively; staff will create an executive summary to clarify roles and expectations.
• Neighborhood Event Engagement: The committee received a list of summer events in priority neighborhoods. Emphasis was placed on attending events hosted by 2026 grantees to see the impact of funded programs. The new bilingual neighborhood navigator, Diego, was introduced—he will support outreach at events such as Tito Fest on May 16 at Aldo Leopold School.
• Reports from Department: Forestry reported 11 trees planted in Hugo-Jamestown, 10 on Traceway Drive, 9 on King James Way, 10 on West Belt Line Frontage, and 4 in Southdale. The Southdale Park splash pad project moved forward with a second rendering (1,500 sq ft, full restroom, sidewalk); bidding is expected in summer 2026 with completion by Memorial Day 2027. The Efficiency Navigator Program for multifamily housing upgrades was highlighted; applications are open via Sustained Dane.
• Announcements: Popsicles in the Park event is scheduled for June 11 at Hugo-Jamestown Park, 4:30–6 PM, with free popsicles, music, and resource tables. Organizations such as Equalatino and housing coalitions will attend; food vendors are being coordinated. Additional community events were shared: a plant sale at Badger Rock on May 23, a repair cafe on June 20 at Arbor Good Neighbor House, and a children's book reading at Fitchburg Library on May 21.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Committee agreed to schedule a working meeting in June 2026 to continue grant program redesign discussions.
• Staff will send follow-up to organizations that missed the slide submission deadline.
• Committee members committed to attend at least one neighborhood event and provide a brief report at the next meeting.
• Popsicles in the Park is confirmed for June 11, 2026, as a new annual event for the Verona Road West neighborhood.
• The splash pad at Southdale Park is expected to open by Memorial Day 2027.