Bill > HB1276

This bill establishes the Neighborhood Social Connection and Development Program within the West North Avenue Development Authority (Authority), which is defined as the entity responsible for economic development in a specific area of West North Avenue in Baltimore City. The program aims to foster social connections to support neighborhood development within the West North Avenue Corridor, which includes the target area and a 250-yard buffer zone around it. The Authority will provide technical support to participating organizations, such as community development corporations, neighborhood associations, volunteer groups, and nonprofits, and will award grants to implement programs that encourage social connections and activities. The Authority is authorized to allocate up to $500,000 for these grant activities, which can fund social gatherings like block parties and festivals, outreach initiatives like community bulletins, stipends for volunteers, operating support for organizations, projects to create green spaces, and resources for training community organizers and applying for grants. Participating organizations must collaborate with residents in planning and implementing these activities to ensure they reflect neighborhood priorities and are, where possible, led by residents. The Authority is also required to report annually on its grant-awarding activities and, by July 1, 2029, to compile program evaluations to develop a template for neighborhood building and provide scaling recommendations to similar organizations statewide and nationally.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1276?ys=2026RS