On June 30, DOLA published Version 1 of our Guidance for Neighborhood Centers and announced a Pilot Designation Opportunity.
As identified in SB24-174 and HB24-1313, Neighborhood Centers are voluntarily designated by local governments in areas that meet criteria established by DOLA, as outlined in the newly published Criteria and Guidance.
The Neighborhood Centers program is an interagency incentive program that builds on the tradition of state and local support for “mixed-use pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods.” It is an opportunity for local governments to focus on strategic areas and to receive prioritization for state funding programs. In times when state funding may be limited and awards more competitive, Neighborhood Centers are an optional tool that can inspire strategic multi-agency partnerships and place-based investment over time.
Pilot Designation Round
DOLA seeks approximately 9-12 jurisdictions with Existing Neighborhood Centers (see Guidance for more details) that are interested in participating in an initial round where the Neighborhood Center program will be piloted. This Pilot Designation Round of Neighborhood Centers will run July 7, 2025 through October 31, 2025.
The Pilot Designation Round will be an opportunity for communities to participate in assisting the State in refining Neighborhood Center criteria so that the criteria is responsive to local and regional contexts. This will also be an opportunity to achieve early designation of Neighborhood Centers for upcoming grant funding rounds as early as October 2025.
Only areas that fit typologies of an Existing Neighborhood Center (see Guidance for more details) will be considered for this Pilot Designation Round, as further criteria, based upon the findings and lessons learned from the Pilot Designation Round will be used to develop and refine criteria for “Evolving” and “Future” Neighborhood Centers. Generally, for this Pilot Designation Round, DOLA seeks jurisdictions that are not subject to HB24-1313.
More information can be found on our Neighborhood Centers webpage or in our newly published Guidance. Jurisdictions are encouraged to meet with DOLA in advance to discuss potential Neighborhood Centers. Please email Hannah van Nimwegen with questions or to arrange a meeting.
Cover Photo Credits (left to right)
Top row: Price, [Own work]; Sightline Institute, [Middle Homes Photo Library]; DOLA; Middle row: DOLA; Bottom row: krblokhin/iStock via Getty Images; BeyondDC, [GRTC Pulse Richmond BRT]; DOLA
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