After being away from Fishers for about a week, there are some news items announced by the city that I have not yet posted. Here are some of those items.
Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants
Mayor Scott Fadness has mentioned more than once in the past year that he would like to expand the funds available for Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants. Here is what the city news release says:
The City of Fishers will accept applications for its 2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant beginning November 1 to provide funding for creative and innovative projects that make the community a more beautiful place to live. With the adoption of the 2024 City budget, the grant’s allocation has seen a significant jump from $100k in previous years to $750k for 2024. The City of Fishers will now also fund 80% of the project cost up to $25,000, requiring participants to contribute just 20% of the total. This marks a substantial shift from the previous 50/50 split of funding.
Homeowners’ associations or neighborhood groups within the City‘s limits are encouraged to submit applications at fishers.in.us/Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with funds distributed quarterly. This is also a change from last year when grants were only administered annually in the spring. The expanded timeline opens up opportunities for year-round vibrancy efforts. Deadlines to apply for the 2024 grant are April 30, July 31 and October 31.
Grants can be used to fund a wide range of projects, from entrance landscaping and greenspace preservation to creating community spaces within residential areas. Community engagement initiatives, like community gardens, playgrounds, and communal gathering hubs, are also eligible for funding.
The City encourages residents to consider projects with an environmental impact that promote sustainability, incorporate native species within their landscaping, and provide support for local ecosystems. Previous projects include the transformation of common areas with native landscaping, the installation of new playground equipment and benches, and repurposing pastures into native prairies to enhance biodiversity. A dashboard of past projects is available at map.fishers.in.us/grants/. Previous grant winners are eligible to apply.
Inclusion & Accessibility Awards
Here is the city news release with the details on those awards:
Fishers community members and employers are invited to submit nominations for the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability’s 2024 Inclusion and Accessibility Awards beginning on Wednesday, November 1 through Friday, December 8.
The awards will be presented at the 2024 March Disability Awareness Month kickoff event on March 1, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at Launch Fishers Huston Theater (12175 Visionary Way, Fishers). The annual March Disability Awareness Month celebration, hosted by the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, will feature a series of special events and initiatives throughout the city to be announced early next year.
“Every year, the Fishers community showcases its dedication to building an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive. These awards not only celebrate those who work tirelessly toward inclusion and accessibility, but also serve as inspiration for others,” said Cecilia Coble, co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. “Whether it’s an individual breaking barriers or a business fostering opportunities, every nomination tells a story of resilience, determination, and unity. We invite our community members and employers to tell these stories to highlight the spirit of Fishers.
2024 award categories include:
Life Without Limits Award
The recipient of the Life Without Limits Award is an individual with physical and/or intellectual disabilities who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the community of Fishers by promoting inclusion, independence, and eliminating barriers. Contributions of community life include art, culture, athletics, workplace, education, leadership, and service.
Previous winners include Zach Curtis in 2023 and Carter Gordan in 2022.
Cornerstone Employer Award
The Cornerstone Employer Award is given to an individual, business, or organization in the Fishers community who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to providing inclusion, career training, employment, and/or advancement opportunities to persons with disabilities.
Previous winners include Hampton Inn Fishers in 2023 and June Barnes & Rod Sutherlin of Geist Elementary School in 2022.
2024 Accessibility Award
The Accessibility Award recognizes an individual, business, or organization in the Fishers community that has made exceptional contributions to advocate and/or eliminate barriers in aspects of community life to ensure persons with disabilities can access and participate in programs, activities, and events.
Previous winners include the Tsimerakis Family in 2023 and Tom Rich in 2022.
The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability was established in 2017 to bring together businesses, organizations, residents with disabilities, and various stakeholders to establish priorities and strategies to address the various challenges and needs facing the disability community. Their goal is to promote inclusion and accessibility and to strive to make Fishers a community where people with physical and intellectual disabilities can live life without limits.To learn more about the awards and submit a nomination, visit fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness.
Arts & Culture Commission Grant
The city’s Commission all about Arts & Culture is accepting applications. Here is the lowdown from the city news release:
The City of Fishers is now accepting applications for the 2024 Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Grant. This program aims to foster creative partnerships within the Fishers arts community by providing funds for a wide variety of arts and cultural related activities within the City.
In its fourth year, the Arts & Culture Commission Grant invests in artists, art organizations, and cultural events that promote creativity, vibrancy, and a sense of place within the community. Since 2021, the Commission has distributed over $142,000 in funds to 37 projects or organizations. The grant is administered by the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission (FACC) and funds are allocated from the City of Fishers’ annual budget.
“The Commission is excited to announce the fourth annual Fishers Arts and Culture Grant,” shared Katie Haigh, Chair of the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission. “Since its inception in 2021, the grant has supported numerous transformative projects throughout Fishers – from captivating public performances to immersive gallery displays and innovative public art pieces. We look forward to another year of inspiring submissions from our vibrant Fishers art community.”
Artists, creative companies, nonprofits and for-profit businesses that are in or do work within City of Fishers boundaries are invited to apply. Grant funds range from $1,000 to $7,500 and projects must take place within Fishers. No match is required. Applications for the 2024 grant cycle are due December 15, 2023.
The City also launched a new Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Business Matching Grant for businesses and organizations to partner with the Commission for the installation of public art on their property. Matching funds can be requested up to $25,000 and must be at least 50% of the total project cost.
Targeted areas for this new investment include along the Nickel Plate Trail and Nickel Plate District, I-69 and State Road 37 corridors, Allisonville Road corridor, 96th Street, 116th Street, 126th Street, Lantern Road, USA Parkway, Crosspoint Boulevard, Olio Road and areas surrounding both Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern High Schools. Applications are accepted and reviewed bi-monthly throughout 2023 during Commission meetings.
Two business matching grants have been awarded thus far, including the Mudsock Horsepower mural at Alderman Automotive by Hue Murals by Koda Witsken and The Stations at Fishers District sculpture at Whistle Drive Development by Rachel Kavathe Studio.
To learn more about the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission Grant and apply, visit fishers.in.us/grants.
Translation Service
Language barriers can lead to big miscommunications. The City of Fishers announced a new translation service earlier this week. Here is the news release:
The City of Fishers has partnered with Propio Language Services to provide inclusive, top-tier multi-lingual customer service to its more than 100,000 residents. Propio is an innovative language service that offers instant access to interpreters for over 350 languages through Video Remote Interpreting and Over-the-Phone Interpreting Services, as well as document translation.Fishers’ latest effort to enhance inclusivity allows all residents to access City resources, including Public Safety, Fishers Health Department and City Court information, easily and securely.The City’s new translation and interpretation services include:
- Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI), where city employees can conference in a Propio representative to determine the language and connect the resident directly with an interpreter in their preferred language.
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), allowing residents to connect with an interpreter by video when doing business in person at the City Services Building (3 Municipal Drive) and the Fishers Health Department Clinic (8937 Technology Drive). This technology is also being rolled out to public safety teams working in the field.
- Fast and accurate document translation and localization services for documents and digital content for internal use.
“We are proud to introduce our new language translation and interpretation service, reflecting the diverse cultures that make up our growing city,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting everyone and ensures that every resident has an equal opportunity to engage with the City of Fishers.”
For faster service, Spanish-speaking individuals can access over-the-phone interpretation services by calling 317-595-3111 and selecting option 2. They will be connected to a Propio representative who will inquire about the nature of their call to ensure accurate and efficient routing. Additionally, Propio will provide real-time translation for any prerecorded messages, ensuring clarity as callers navigate to the appropriate department. Should there be a need to leave a message or facilitate a return call, Propio will continue to offer their translation expertise to bridge the communication gap.
During business hours, visitors and callers to the City Services Building (3 Municipal Drive) can use these services in two ways: a kiosk for video translation services in over 350 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL) or by calling the City of Fishers customer service line at 317-595-3111 and requesting translation services via phone or video chat. This technology ensures a seamless communication between City staff, the resident, and the translator, fostering efficient transactions and clear resolution of inquiries.
Founded in 1998, Propio Language Services is an industry leader in over-the-phone interpretation, video remote interpretation, in-person interpretation, and document translation services. Propio offers superior interpreter quality and technology-oriented solutions to clients, driving the highest value in the industry. Visit Propio-LS.com to learn more.
Learn more about the City’s translation services at fishers.in.us/Residents.