Greensboro and Winston-Salem Won $70,000 Block Grants

The cities will use the funding to support neighborhood improvement projects led by local residents.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration of two iron shovels leaning against a brick wall, representing community-led neighborhood improvement. — Greensboro and Winston-Salem have been awarded $70,000 each in block grants to facilitate resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects through the Love Your Block initiative. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In September 2026, Greensboro and Winston-Salem were selected as grant recipients for the Love Your Block initiative. Each city will receive $70,000 to improve public spaces through resident-led projects.

Why it matters

The initiative targets the revitalization of vacant or deteriorating properties to improve neighborhood conditions. By providing mini-grants and volunteer coordination, cities aim to increase local property values and resident engagement.

The program provides $70,000 to each of the 25 selected local governments across 20 states. Since the program began in 2009, it has facilitated the removal of 7 million pounds of trash and the cleaning of 550,000 square feet of space.

The players

Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation

An academic research entity at Johns Hopkins University that develops and manages urban policy initiatives.

Greensboro

A municipal government in North Carolina overseeing urban development and public works.

Winston-Salem

A municipal government in North Carolina managing local infrastructure and community services.

The details

The cities will utilize the funding to provide mini-grants and recruit volunteers for community-led improvement projects focused on clearing abandoned or deteriorating properties. A dedicated program fellow from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University will be assigned to each city to oversee implementation and provide administrative support.

The program was launched by the Bloomberg Center in 2009.
Greensboro and Winston-Salem were selected in September 2026.
Winston-Salem program operations are scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Market Landscape

The Love Your Block initiative operates as a standardized model for urban blight remediation across the U.S. By leveraging the Bloomberg Center's administrative framework, cities can implement structured neighborhood improvement programs that have collectively cleaned over 550,000 square feet.

Local business owners in the affected areas should monitor municipal announcements regarding volunteer opportunities and project site selection. These improvements can shift foot traffic patterns and local property aesthetics, potentially impacting retail visibility and neighborhood accessibility.

The takeaway

The Love Your Block initiative demonstrates a proven model for municipal-led beautification projects. Operators should track the project timelines in Greensboro and Winston-Salem to anticipate potential changes to local public space access and commercial zoning activity.