Commission directs staff to expand HOA grant options, explore resiliency program and review tree‑fund use

Commissioners on Oct. 8 instructed staff to expand existing neighborhood and residential grant programs to help homeowners associations and aging communities with landscaping, tree trimming and storm‑season resiliency, and asked staff to explore creating a dedicated HOA resiliency and infrastructure grant.

Commissioner Bolton said many HOAs — particularly 55+ communities — are struggling with tree maintenance and rising HOA fees and asked staff to consider allowing tree pruning and removal as eligible activities under the Neighborhood Partnership program (which currently provides up to $4,999 for HOA common‑area improvements). Deputy City Manager Maxine Calloway confirmed the program exists and that adding pruning/removal would require re‑opening the grant period and revising program guidelines.

Commissioners also discussed the city’s curb‑appeal program (available to single‑family homeowners at $3,000 per award plus a possible $500 paint voucher), a tree preservation fund that has accumulated roughly $100,000, and larger commercial grant programs (small business grants at $5,000/$10,000, interior renovation up to $100,000 and façade grants up to $250,000). The commission sought staff recommendations on how to use existing funds, how to expand eligibility, procurement thresholds and whether to create a new, year‑round tree/HOA resiliency program.