Community Impact & Financial Transparency

Tracking Public Investments. Promoting Accountability. Strengthening North Greenwood.

The Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition (CULC) believes that every dollar invested in North Greenwood should create meaningful opportunities for residents, homeowners, entrepreneurs, and local businesses.

As millions of dollars in public funding are allocated to support the revitalization of the North Greenwood community, transparency, accountability, and measurable results must remain at the forefront.

Our commitment is to ensure that residents understand how these funds are allocated, where investments are being made, and how these resources are contributing to the long-term economic growth of our community.

Understanding the $5 Million Investment

The City of Clearwater allocated $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to jump-start programming within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).

These funds were intended to support community revitalization, economic development, neighborhood improvements, and opportunities for local businesses and residents.

CULC believes the community deserves a complete and accurate accounting of these investments, including the distinction between funding allocated, grants awarded, and dollars actually distributed.

Where the Funding Is Making an Impact

The following figures highlight investments and funding initiatives associated with North Greenwood's revitalization efforts.

$2 Million Brought to the Community

Approximately $2 million has been identified as funding brought into the North Greenwood community through various initiatives and programs.

$1.4 Million in Community Grant Recommendations

In 2023, the North Greenwood community grant program reported:

25 recommended grant awards totaling $1.4 million.
Individual recommendations ranging from $10,000 to $175,000.
More than $2 million in requested funding.

$500,000 for The Village @ The Grove

A $500,000 investment supported the development of The Village @ The Grove, an innovative container-based retail destination designed to encourage entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and create new economic opportunities within North Greenwood.

The Village represents the type of community-centered economic development that can help strengthen local ownership, encourage commerce, and contribute to neighborhood revitalization.

Residential Improvement Grants

More than 20 residential improvement grants, with awards of up to $25,000 each, have been identified to help eligible North Greenwood homeowners, including seniors, make improvements to their properties.

These investments are intended to support neighborhood preservation, housing stability, and community pride.

Commercial Business Grants

Commercial grants ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 have been identified for local businesses, including Big Jim's BBQ, Gelray Gainey, Tori and Tim Charles, and Clearwater Brewing.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and established businesses is essential to building a stronger, more sustainable North Greenwood economy.

Transparency Includes Administrative Spending

Financial accountability also requires distinguishing between investments made directly into the community and expenses associated with administering public programs.

Approximately $255,000 in City of Clearwater staffing expenses has been identified separately from community grant investments.

These funds were designated for City staffing, not CULC leadership compensation.

CULC supports clear reporting that allows residents to understand how public funds are distributed among community programs, business assistance, residential improvements, and administrative operations.

Our Commitment to North Greenwood

CULC remains committed to advocating for:

Financial Transparency: Clear and accessible reporting of public funding allocations, expenditures, and outcomes.
Community Accountability: Ensuring that investments align with the needs and priorities of North Greenwood residents.
Economic Empowerment: Expanding opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and homeowners.
Equitable Revitalization: Supporting development that benefits existing residents and preserves the community's identity.
Measurable Community Impact: Evaluating investments based on tangible improvements and long-term benefits.

North Greenwood Deserves the Full Picture

Public investment should be measured by more than the amount of money allocated. Its true value is reflected in the businesses strengthened, homes improved, jobs supported, and opportunities created for the people of North Greenwood.

Our community deserves more than promises. It deserves transparency, accountability, and results.

The Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition will continue to advocate for responsible stewardship of public resources and a revitalization process that puts the North Greenwood community first.

Source references: City of Clearwater North Greenwood CRA information, North Greenwood ARPA grant tracking, and funding information compiled by CULC.

Note: Funding figures reflect the categories identified in CULC's community impact summary. Recommended awards, allocations, and actual disbursements may differ and should be verified against current City financial records.