Determined to make an impact on their community, Stacy Galan Shailendra, Jennifer Pino, Lee Adkins, and Shannon Price formed a joint task force between the two boards. As members of the Atlanta REALTORS® Young Professional Network (YPN) and the Young Commercial REALTORS® (YCR), they were awarded the maximum grant in 2015 to contribute to the construction of an outdoor visitors center at the new Atlanta BeltLine headquarters. Located near the popular Krog Street Market in Old Fourth Ward, this space will be transformed from a dirt pathway into a welcoming oasis for millions to rest, learn about the BeltLine, and participate in planned community events.
In addition to their grant, both the YCR and the YPN pledged a significant portion of their budgets as well as volunteer hours to the creation of the visitors center. Stacy, Jennifer, Lee, and Shannon are fully committed to placemaking, and they have already started working on their next grant project.
PLACEMAKING ACROSS GEORGIA
Several other local boards/associations in Georgia have also applied for and received NAR Placemaking Micro-grants. The Fayette County REALTORS® have already completed one project. The process was simple and seamless, according to Cherie Jolley, Association Executive (AE) for the Fayette County REALTORS®. She says, “I learned how other associations were using the placemaking grant at an AE conference and said, ‘We could do that here — it’s really simple’.” Shortly after, the Fayette County REALTORS® found a need in their community, filled out the grant application, and were awarded $2,000 to help build a pavilion area next to a new community garden. Instead of spending all day in the hot sun, garden volunteers and civic groups now have a covered place to learn about gardening and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The I-85 North Board of REALTORS® took a creative approach to placemaking. With the guidance of their CEO, Tom O’Rourke, the I-85 North REALTORS® were able to provide $2,200 in grant funding to build a music station in a local park with bench seating.
Additionally, the East Metro Board of REALTORS® applied for and received $1,200 in placemaking funds and built a sign kiosk at Newton Trails. Sign kiosks are a great way to add value to trails because they advertise community events and serve as a safe meeting place. While those considering applying for NAR’s Placemaking Micro-grant should adhere to their association bylaws and check with their association staff before proceeding, any REALTOR® member may apply for this funding. As a REALTOR® you have the power and the resources to enhance
your community, and dedicated staff members at GAR and NAR are available to walk you through every step of the process.
HAYLEY McCLOUD IS A POLITICAL FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FOR GEORGIA REALTORS®.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PLACEMAKING IN YOUR AREA, PLEASE CONTACT:
Hayley McCloud >>
hmccloud@garealtor.com >> North Georgia Political Field Representative
Brad Mock >>
bmock@garealtor.com >> South Georgia Political Field Representative
Holly Moskerintz >>
hmoskerintz@realtors.org >> NAR Community Programs Outreach Manager
quick facts
ABOUT NAR’S PLACEMAKING GRANT
· There are two levels: Up to $3,000 to create new places, and up to $1,500 for improvements to an existing place.
· The application is an easy two-page form submitted online at
www.realtoractioncenter.com.
Applications can be approved in less than 10 business days and may be accepted through October.
www.garealtor.com GEORGIA REALTOR® I 11
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