City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 21, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: DR. DAVID C. ROSE, DIRECTOR, ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT
ALETHEA PREDEOUX, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Grant Application for Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation's Love Your Block Grant
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ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University to support the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Alexandria Health Department's (AHD) Community Health Improvement Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve the submission of a grant application to the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation for $270,000 to support place-based initiatives; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University is funding cities with a population of at least 50,000 to support neighborhood projects that reflect local priorities, build community pride, and strengthen neighborhood spaces and relationships. This is a two-year program, with funds dispersed in January 2027. The application is due by June 1, 2026. The grant includes:
* $70,000 in funding for program implementation and volunteer-led mini-grant projects.
* $200,000 in funding to support up to two Love Your Block Fellows.
* Training, coaching, and programmatic support from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University.
* Peer-to-peer learning with current and former Love Your Block grantee cities.
* Exclusive access to national experts, peer practitioners, and hands-on, in-person technical support at the Love Your Block annual convening.
* Recognition as a Love Your Block grantee city in the Bloomberg Center fo...
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