Pictured (left to right): Former East Mt. Airy Neighbors Board President Brandon Ritter, Executive Director of the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District Janis Risch, Executive Director of West Mt. Airy Neighbors Josephine Winter, and Executive Director of Mt. Airy CDC Philip Dawson.
The Board of Directors of the Regional Foundation have approved a Neighborhood Implementation Grant to a collaborative of Mt. Airy neighborhood organizations working together to implement the Mt. Airy 2025 plan.
These funds, in the amount of $400,000 over 5 years (2023-2027), will be used to advance the 6 neighborhood revitalization strategies identified in the plan. The Mt. Airy 2025 plan comprises a 10-year vision for the future of the neighborhood developed with input from residents.
The Neighborhood Implementation Grants program supports comprehensive community development plans that target specific neighborhoods, are resident-driven, and equity focused. Under this collaborative partnership, Mt. Airy CDC, West Mt. Airy Neighbors, East Mt. Airy Neighbors, and the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District will use these funds to:
- Implement commercial corridor management program spanning 1.8 miles of Germantown Avenue
- Make improvements to pedestrian safety and tree cover
- Strengthen the Mt. Airy Schools Coalition
- Expand youth literacy programming
- Develop mixed-use and affordable housing sites
- Expand housing counseling services to promote homeownership for low and moderate-income families
- Support resident education and engagement efforts
The Foundation previously awarded the Collaborative $1 million from 2017-2022 to kick-start plan implementation efforts. This new 5-year investment from the Regional Foundation is designed to sustain momentum for neighborhood revitalization that will improve the quality of life, particularly for children and families living in the community.
Philip Dawson, Executive Director of Mt. Airy CDC, said, “Mt. Airy CDC and its community partners are grateful to have the support of the Regional Foundation as we continue the implementation of the Mt. Airy 2025 plan. These funds will enable us to advance residents’ vision for a neighborhood with a thriving and safe retail corridor, affordable housing options for all families, and high-quality resources to support our youth. We look forward to deepening our efforts to sustain a vibrant and diverse Mt. Airy.”
