Neighborhood Partners Fund Board Meeting - April 20, 2026

The Neighborhood Partners Fund Board convened on April 20, 2026, at 1:06 PM to deliberate and make funding recommendations for community grant applications. With $80,000 available and applications requesting more than double that amount, the board discussed allocation criteria, including the distinction between homeowners associations (HOAs) with statutory reserve obligations and neighborhood associations, and the prioritization of projects such as beautification and public safety over block parties. The board then reviewed each application in order of average pre-meeting score, reaching consensus on preliminary amounts before taking formal votes. All motions passed unanimously unless noted otherwise.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward during either public comment period (first limited to agenda items, second for general matters). Both periods were closed with no testimony.

Discussion Items

• Use of Scoring and Allocation Priorities: Chair Becker proposed discussing general allocation strategy before voting on individual applications. Member Goodsell raised concerns about HOAs using public funds for items that fall under their legal reserve study obligations per NRS 116, arguing that funding roofs, gates, asphalt, or reserve-related items would be a direct subsidy of operating deficits. She also questioned the appropriateness of funding extensive party swag. Member Estrada agreed that neighborhood associations often have greater need than HOAs. Member Tramp suggested prioritizing beautification and safety over block parties and noted that some affluent neighborhoods repeatedly apply for party funding. Member Wong emphasized evaluating each application on its merits, particularly the effort shown in community partnerships, and opposed a flat cap on block parties. Member Becker proposed giving neighborhoods requesting signage $3,000 each, joint block party applicants $3,300 each, and reducing most others to half. The board agreed to proceed in order of highest average score.
• Fremont Street Loft Homeowners Association (Score: top): The application sought $10,000 for a civil engineer to create a community space after a major fire displaced 100 residents. Goodsell flagged it as an HOA reserve issue but acknowledged the fire as an exceptional circumstance. Wong and Ituralde supported funding due to strong community involvement (UNLV partnership) and the disaster. Flank questioned the connection between volunteer hours (meetings) and the project cost. Consensus reached at $5,000.
• Crestwood, Hillside Heights, Huntridge Neighborhood Associations (joint block party with dog stations and sculptures): The board discussed whether to award each $3,300 (total ~$10,000) or the $6,000 minimum each. Goodsell praised the creativity and scale. Wong initially proposed $6,000 each based on minimum asks. After debate, the board agreed on $6,000 each.
• West Side Community Neighborhood Association (first-time applicant, $3,000): All members supported full funding, recognizing the need in that area.
• Glenn Heather Estates ($10,000 ask): Becker proposed $5,000; Wong suggested $5,235 based on line items. The board agreed on $5,000.
• Winchester Maintenance Corporation ($10,000 ask): Tramp noted energy-efficient lighting as a long-term cost saving. Goodsell declined due to HOA obligation for landscaping and lighting. Wong and Flank raised concerns about inflated volunteer hours. Consensus at $2,500.
• Beverly Green Neighborhood Association ($4,000 for signage): Unanimous support for full $4,000.
• Grand Entries Neighborhood Association ($10,000 for beautification, safety): Estrada recused himself (member of association). Goodsell flagged private property issue but noted documentation. Flank praised cash donations and buy-in. Initial consensus at $5,000, later increased to $7,400.
• Palomino Gardens Homeowners Association ($10,000 for gate and lighting): Goodsell and Tramp argued it was a clear HOA reserve obligation and noted prior grants. Wong pointed out lighting component. Placed $2,200 placeholder for lighting.
• Buffalo Coalition Neighborhood Association (annual applicant, $10,000 for block party and safety): Tramp and Goodsell noted affluent HOAs and repeated funding. Flank objected to swag and self-defense class cost. Consensus at $4,000.
• Lakeside Village Homeowners Association ($10,000 for pool decking and monument): Goodsell and others declined funding as clear reserve study items. $0.
• Copper Palms Homeowners Association ($10,000 for benches and shade): Goodsell supported $6,000 (new elements not covered by reserves). Lindsay had $4,000. Consensus at $6,000.
• Francisco Park Neighborhood Association ($6,000 originally, changed to $4,000): Staff confirmed corrected ask. All supported full $4,000.
• Mayfair Neighborhood Association ($3,000 for signage): Unanimous support.
• Hillstone Estates Homeowners Association ($10,000 for gate lighting): Wong and Lindsay noted prior funding and small HOA, proposed $4,500. Goodsell declined. Consensus at $4,500.
• Rock Springs Vista 3 Homeowners Association ($10,000 for landscaping): Goodsell noted HOA reserves covering part of project. Consensus at $5,000, later increased to $6,400.
• Maneta Lane Homeowners Association ($7,000 for gate): Goodsell flagged HOA reserve obligation and inflated hours. $0.
• Rainbow Family Park Neighborhood Association ($10,000 for event and swag): Goodsell noted ninth year of funding. Consensus at $5,000.
• Rancho Nevada Estates Homeowners Association ($ amount not specified, for gate signage): Considered HOA responsibility. $0.
• Adjustments with remaining $2,800: The board allocated $1,400 each to Grand Entries (raising it to $7,400) and Rock Springs Vista 3 (raising to $6,400).

Key Outcomes

• The board approved a final allocation of $80,000 across 19 applicants. All votes were unanimous. The specific awards are as follows:
  • Beverly Green Neighborhood Association: $4,000
  • Buffalo Coalition Neighborhood Association: $4,000
  • Copper Palms Homeowners Association: $6,000
  • Crestwood Neighborhood Association: $6,000
  • Francisco Park Neighborhood Association: $4,000
  • Fremont Street Loft Homeowners Association: $5,000
  • Glenn Heather Estates Neighborhood Association: $5,000
  • Grand Entries Neighborhood Association: $7,400 (Member Estrada abstained due to conflict of interest)
  • Hillside Heights Neighborhood Association: $6,000
  • Hillstone Estates Homeowners Association: $4,500
  • Huntridge Neighborhood Association: $6,000
  • Lakeside Village Homeowners Association: $0
  • Maneta Lane Homeowners Association: $0
  • Rancho Nevada Estates Homeowners Association: $0
  • Mayfair Neighborhood Association: $3,000
  • Palomino Gardens Homeowners Association: $2,200
  • Rainbow Family Park Neighborhood Association: $5,000
  • Rock Springs Vista 3 Homeowners Association: $6,400
  • West Side Community Neighborhood Association: $3,000
  • Winchester Maintenance Corporation Association: $2,500
• The board directed staff to incorporate guidance in future workshops to clarify that HOA reserve item subsidies are ineligible, addressing concerns about applicant education.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 3:29 PM after a brief second public comment period with no speakers.