The Conference Committee of the Community Development Division finalized their recommendations for 2016 Emerging Opportunities funding.  The recommendations will be introduced to Common Council on May 3, discussed at the Board of Estimates on May 9, and will go to Council for final decision on May 17.

Thank you to all who participated in this process.

The Emerging Opportunities Program (EOP) was established to support projects and activities that address emerging needs or unanticipated opportunities that arise outside of the Community Development Division's (CDD) multi-year Purchase of Service processes. The EOP was created to allow the City to respond in a more timely manner and seize opportunities as they are presented and most viable. The EOP is also intended for new and promising organizations to receive City financial support, provided they demonstrate broad resident engagement in the development of the project or activity the organization proposes.

The City of Madison is seeking proposals that address issues of poverty and inequality in the City of Madison. Strong proposals will:

1)  Focus on emerging needs or unanticipated opportunities in the City that warrant resources and attention at this time; and

2)  Present opportunities to try new or innovative approaches to resolving issues or problems that adversely affect  quality of life for city residents; and

3)  Demonstrate resident and community interest and engagement in the development of the proposed project.

Preference will be given to new and promising organizations. Proposals should address needs that arise outside the timelines and/ or scopes of other established City funding processes. The program's intent is to address issues that fall under the purview of the Community Development Division and impact such concerns as access to affordable housing; services for children, youth, adults, seniors and families; employment and training programs; community engagement and capacity building; and other activities that help improve the quality of life in Madison's neighborhoods.