Boston: Mayor Wu Announces Applications Open for Spooky Streets Grant

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~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet's Office of Civic Organizing have announced exciting news for residents and community groups in the city. The Spooky Streets Grant Program is now accepting applications, providing an opportunity for neighborhoods to receive funding to host Halloween block parties.

The program, which offers a mini-grant of $250, aims to create a fun and safe environment for kids and families to enjoy their community. This initiative builds on Mayor Wu's efforts to make Boston the best place in the country to raise a family.

"We're working towards creating a vibrant and inclusive city for all our residents," said Mayor Wu. "These spooky streets block parties provide a safe, fun, and festive way for families to celebrate Halloween with their neighbors. We want to make it easier for everyone to apply for a grant and can't wait to see the costumes, decorations, and community gatherings this fall."

Last summer, the Mayor's Office of Civic Organizing distributed 54 grants totaling $31,500 across 14 neighborhoods through the City's Block Party Grant Program. Additionally, two block parties were funded by the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Advancement in support of non-profit organizations serving Boston's immigrant population.

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"We're thrilled to expand our community-building efforts through the Spooky Streets Grant," said Director of the Office of Civic Organizing Nathalia Benitez-Perez. "Since launching our Summer Block Party Grant initiative in 2023, our office has been dedicated to creating more opportunities for residents to connect and activate their streets. With this new grant program, we hope to support even more events that bring fun and traffic-free streets during Halloween and Harvest gatherings."

Residents interested in applying can do so by first obtaining a Play Street Closing Permit here before applying for the Spooky Streets grant. To be eligible, all block parties must be free and open to the public. They cannot be hosted on parks or private lots but must take place on a public street. The block parties must also be held during the week leading up to Halloween, from Friday, October 25 to Sunday, November 3. It is not mandatory for the block parties to have a Halloween theme.

"Activating our streets in the fall with fun activities that bring joy to our City's youth and families makes me so proud to call Boston home," said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. "Supporting individuals and organizations to fund efforts to expand our block party program is the positive energy we need in our city."

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The City of Boston has partnered with the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) to streamline the block party permit application process and improve constituents' experience. The City has also expanded what activities are allowed at block parties without additional permits, including potluck food, tables and chairs, 10 by 10 tents, and more. A Block Party Planning Guide is available to help explain the planning process for hosting block parties in neighborhoods.

"Block parties are one of the best ways for residents to connect and build community with their neighbors," said New Urban Mechanics Program Manager Nate Lash. "We are delighted to have made the permitting and planning process easier for residents."

The deadline for Spooky Streets grant applications is Friday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. Interested residents and community groups can find the application here (along with the necessary application for a Play Street Closing Permit), and visit boston.gov/spooky-streets for more information. This is an excellent opportunity for neighborhoods in Boston to come together and celebrate Halloween while creating a stronger sense of community.

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