The Community Betterment and Arts Council of Houston will lead an effort to update a 2003 document that outlined community resources. The project was a key tool used in receiving more than $4 million dollars in the form of grant funds for the city, council and the Houston chamber.
Charlie McKinney, president of the organization, said Houston’s earlier participation in the Missouri Community Assessment Program was key to several projects already completed in the city, but it needs to be updated to continue the progress. Future participation in the Missouri Community Betterment program will not be allowed if the assessment is not updated, he said. It will also endanger future grant awards.
Letters are set for delivery to several key persons in the community to assist with the project. Revisions are to be sent to Elaine Campbell, development director with the City of Houston. Plans call for the book to be completed by Feb. 1.
The organization is asking former members of the original assessment to update their sections. Current leaders responsible for those sections will replace past members who do not presently reside in Houston.
The earlier document helped land millions for the community, including funds for housing rehabilitation, downtown beautification, Lone Star Plaza, the Village Trail, new fire department equipment, Houston Storm Shelter and a floodplain buyout along Brushy Creek, among several.
“We use the information to continue to set and attain community goals,” McKinney explained.