Neighborhood Participation Program

The City of Lakewood, Colorado, administers the Neighborhood Participation Program (NPP), a community-focused initiative that provides financial support for resident-driven neighborhood improvement projects. The program, rooted in the city’s Department of Sustainability and Community Development, aims to empower residents to envision, propose, and implement physical improvements that enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Each year, City Council reviews and approves recommended projects, ensuring alignment with Lakewood’s broader urban development and planning goals. The NPP reflects the city's commitment to participatory governance and responsive urban planning by encouraging grassroots engagement and fostering a stronger sense of community ownership. Under the Neighborhood Participation Program, grants of up to $60,000 are available for eligible projects located on publicly owned property. The types of improvements that can be funded include community gardens (specifically those on school properties), new park amenities (such as benches, games, and play features), ballfield upgrades (like fencing and dugouts), trail enhancements, public art installations, and accessibility upgrades. Notably, projects that could be funded through existing city programs—such as sidewalk repairs, street paving, traffic signal improvements, or playground replacements—are not eligible for funding through the NPP. This ensures that NPP resources are allocated to new initiatives that fill gaps in existing city services. To be eligible, applicants must be Lakewood residents who live near the proposed project site and who can demonstrate local support. This includes collecting signatures from residents, especially adjacent property owners. For projects on public school grounds, additional support is required from the school principal and the school district facilities office. If a project exceeds the $60,000 threshold, the application must demonstrate that the remaining funds have already been secured and that a school district project manager has been assigned. All projects must provide a tangible benefit to the surrounding neighborhood and must be vetted and approved by the relevant department before submission of the final application. The application process is structured into two main phases. The pre-application window opens on March 1, 2026, during which applicants must submit an initial proposal by May 1, 2026. This preliminary submission allows city staff to review the project’s viability and ensure it meets all criteria. If approved, applicants will be invited to submit a full application, which must be completed by July 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The final application must include documentation of community support, such as letters or petitions, and evidence of coordination with relevant institutions for projects on school sites. Evaluation of submissions is based on six weighted criteria: neighborhood contribution (which, while not required, can boost a project’s competitiveness), benefit-to-cost ratio, health and safety improvements, alignment with citywide plans, neighborhood support (evidenced by resident signatures), and maintenance needs. Projects that minimize long-term maintenance responsibilities for the city tend to score higher. Following the review, final funding decisions are made by the Lakewood City Council, and city staff then partner with selected neighborhoods to carry out the approved projects. This grant program is offered on a recurring annual basis. Contact for further information is available via the official NPP email: communityorg@lakewood.org. The program timeline, structured pre-application and application phases, and specific support requirements for various project types help ensure transparency, equity, and alignment with Lakewood’s long-term planning goals. Interested applicants should mark key dates and begin preparing well in advance to meet documentation and community engagement requirements.

Strong neighborhood support and minimal added maintenance score higher; tie proposals to adopted citywide plans.