LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Lima City administrators are thanking residents who participated in a recent community needs survey, which will help guide how federal funding is allocated throughout the city.
Nearly 500 residents completed the brief, five-minute survey, identifying top priorities that include affordable rental housing and home ownership opportunities, expanded youth programs, and infrastructure improvements such as street lighting, street resurfacing, and public safety.
City officials say the feedback will play a key role in determining how Community Development Block Grant funding is distributed to local programs and projects. Community Development Specialist Dionne Dickey said the city uses the survey results to align funding decisions with residents’ needs.
“As we get the federal funding for the programs that people requesting funding for, we look at the community says that they really focus on this, and then that's where we'll lean towards. So that's how we take that information and we directly apply that to what is needed in the community and what people are requesting,” Dickey said.
Dickey added that applications are now available for HUD Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds through the city’s website limaohio.gov. Proposals will be accepted through Friday, May 1, with the first public hearing scheduled for April 15.
