The City of Frederick has been selected to participate in the Love Your Block program, an initiative aimed at fostering resident-led projects that enhance urban neighborhoods. This announcement was made by Mayor Michael O’Connor on October 12, 2026. The city is among 25 local governments from 20 states chosen for this initiative, which is managed by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University.
As part of the program, Frederick will receive $70,000 to promote community engagement and support projects that reclaim public spaces. The initiative is designed to empower residents to take an active role in transforming their neighborhoods through placemaking efforts. Mayor O’Connor expressed optimism about the program’s potential, saying it will expand the city’s investment in the Golden Mile and help meet resident needs while enhancing safety and cultural richness in the area.
The Love Your Block program has a track record of success, having previously assisted over 50 local governments in engaging more than 88,000 residents across 33 states. Initiatives under this program have led to the removal of over 7 million pounds of trash, the cleaning of more than 550,000 square feet of graffiti, and the creation of nearly 800 art displays. A 2021 study by the Urban Institute found that municipalities participating in Love Your Block experienced improved social cohesion, increased civic participation, and strengthened relationships between local governments and their communities.
Francisca M. Rojas, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, highlighted the importance of resident input in identifying neighborhood needs. The program aims to facilitate collaboration between city officials and residents to implement tangible improvements that reflect the community’s desires.
For more information on the Love Your Block program, residents can visit the Bloomberg Center’s website at publicinnovation.jhu.edu.
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Read the original article at City of Frederick