Fitchburg, WI Healthy Neighborhoods Advisory Committee 2-11-26

The Fitchburg Healthy Neighborhoods Advisory Committee convened on February 11, 2026, primarily to discuss the evaluation criteria for grant applicants under the Healthy Neighborhoods grant program. The committee focused on how to prioritize funding among various organizations addressing key focus areas such as youth mentoring, education, food security, and community engagement. Given the increase in funding amounts but a reduction in the number of grantees, the committee deliberated on establishing clear, data-driven criteria to justify funding decisions and ensure equitable distribution across neighborhoods. They also considered incorporating a question for applicants to describe the critical gaps their programs address, supported by metrics and evidence, to better inform funding allocations. Additionally, the committee reviewed the progress of the Healthy Neighborhoods strategic plan, discussing its structure, neighborhood-specific goals, and the potential renaming of the plan, ultimately deciding to retain the current name. Announcements included updates on the housing plan, the open position for a neighborhood navigator, and upcoming community events. The meeting emphasized transparent, equitable, and strategic allocation of grant funds to maximize long-term community impact.