Cities partner with SPAAR through Key Communities program

SPAAR’s Key Communities program had an impact in helping a handful of communities throughout the Association’s service area in 2023. The program, with its goal to build strong ties to communities throughout SPAAR’s 12-county jurisdiction, seeks partnerships with cities that vary from a one-time project to others that are more long-lasting, depending on the needs. Through this program, SPAAR received nearly $25,000 in grant funding from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

Below is a recap of some of the 2023 projects:

• SPAAR was instrumental in helping the City of Centerville to purchase polling software to create a sustainable, community-driven placemaking project.
• In the City of Faribault, SPAAR aided in getting a walkability study started.
• Similar work for a walkability study and wayfinding is also in the planning stages with the City of Farmington.
• SPAAR worked with the Grand Avenue Business Association to add flower baskets to lampposts, enhancing the beauty along the avenue.

The 2024 Key Communities application is officially open. SPAAR encourages members to pass along the interest form to their contacts in local governments. The interest form can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024SPAARKeyCommunities

To learn more about SPAAR’s Key Communities program, contact Government Affairs Directors Becky Wegscheid at bwegscheid@spaar.com or Simon Opatz at sopatz@spaar.com.