Co-authored by NLC Intern Sharon Glenn and Karel Fellow Natalie Gerads
Community Project Requests — previously referred to as “earmarks” — are one-time funding requests that can be spent over a one-year project period. Unlike a regular grant application, which are submitted to federal agencies, cities submit community project proposals directly to their Senators and respective House Member.
The Project at a Glance
- Location: City of Phoenix, Arizona
- Project: Homeless Support Initiative: Property Storage Program
- Funding Source: Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations: Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development
- Funding Amount: $1,963,927
- Writer: City Staff
- Timeline: Funding requested in 2022; program began in 2023
Community Need
In 2022, the City of Phoenix revolutionized its approach to homelessness by creating the Office of Homeless Solutions and expanded its reach by becoming a direct service delivery provider. While the city had always been a funder, this direct support was part of a major effort to combat and support people experiencing homelessness.
This project put infrastructure in place for property transportation and storage. The storage bins are associated with either a unique identifying number or with the geolocation where it was found. Now, while individuals are accessing shelter services, the city can store their property. For property that is unattended, staff leave a notice allowing the option of reconnecting people with their belongings as well as help connect them with additional support and resources.
In addition to the City of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Services, there were other key stakeholders involved in the community project process. To propose a community project for the city, ideas first need approval from the city manager. Office staff then work with their government relations team to ensure a competitive project with their House and Senate Members. The City of Phoenix typically submits several projects for funding, with each office writing its own grant applications. The city’s Mayor and Council approve all grant applications prior to submittal.
Funding in Action
The funding served as seed money for the property storage program, covering one-time expenses such as vehicles with lift beds for loading and transporting property into storage containers along with new recycling bins. Because of the success of the program and the seed money provided by their federal representatives, the city is planning to finance the program with General Funds moving forward.
Rachel Milne, the City of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions Director, recommends strategically proposing projects for community project funding that are either novel ideas or don’t currently have the seed money to get started. The one-time funding can help with larger expenses that are needed at project initiation to begin implementation.
While this helps with the upfront infrastructure need, it is important for cities to have a plan for operations in place after the one-time funding expires. Additionally, local leaders should consider the project timeline as the process from project submission to award can take time, making it difficult to address urgent needs.
Impact on the Ground
The City of Phoenix has experienced tremendous impact on the ground. Prior to the program, individuals who did not want to part with their belongings would choose not to receive services. Now city staff can reunite people with their property, including that which was unattended, and has subsequently increased engagement with people experiencing homelessness.
Learn More
Explore NLC’s Guide to Tracking FY26 Community Project Requests in Congress to help your city successfully navigate the process.
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