Vallejo Residents Can Now Apply for Block Party Grants
For those who have ever said there is nothing to do in Vallejo, the city is making it easier to enjoy community events. Residents can now apply for a “Block Party Grant” that covers eligible expenses related to neighborhood block parties. This initiative offers up to $300 in reimbursements and may also cover permit fees associated with road closures.
The idea for this program was first discussed during a special meeting of the Vallejo City Council earlier this summer. The goal was to create a way to help reduce community violence by encouraging positive, community-driven activities. While the initial focus was on summer events, the grants are still available throughout the year. They can be used in conjunction with the National Night Out event on October 7 or for regular block parties at other times.
Eligible expenses for reimbursement include:
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Paper goods
- Entertainment such as a DJ, face painter, or performer
- Rental of road barriers for street closures
Residents can also request a road closure for their event, which typically comes with a significant fee. However, under the new initiative, the city is looking to waive this fee, making it more affordable for residents to host block parties.
Gene Carter, a longtime resident and organizer of a recent large-scale block party at the Union Baptist Church, believes the grant will help reduce the financial burden of hosting such events. “I think it’s a good effort,” he said, noting that the costs of permits, entertainment, and supplies can add up quickly.
Carter described the application process as “pretty daunting” due to the six to eight-page packet with detailed questions. However, he feels the benefits outweigh the challenges. “Block parties help the community, keep it positive, and let people meet one another,” he said. He encourages others to plan ahead, suggesting that organizing a block party takes about four to six months of preparation.
The funds for the grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelee Loughmiller, the Vallejo Community and Volunteer Coordinator, says applications will continue to be accepted until the budget is exhausted. She estimates that the city has enough funding to support approximately 35 additional block parties beyond the upcoming National Night Out event.
Loughmiller especially encourages residents from districts 2 and 6 to organize block parties, as these areas currently have fewer planned events compared to other districts.
Mo’Nique “Mo” Booker of Mumble B. Creations, a local event planning company, believes the assistance with road closure fees will make it easier for residents to start planning block parties. “I remember looking at the fees to close down a regular block, and it was just too much for my budget,” she said. She has previously opted for hosting events at Mare Island Art Studios instead.
Booker feels that improving the accessibility of organizing block parties will help increase community engagement, especially in downtown areas. “Block parties foster a sense of unity and community, things that we need more of within this country,” she said. These events allow residents to mingle and give newcomers a taste of the local culture.
To apply for the Block Party Grant, residents are encouraged to fill out a Neighborhood Block Party Application on the city’s website.
