Oxford centralizes Civil Rights policy, applies to grants for housing and tree canopy
At a City Council meeting March 18, council members voted to move forward with two grant applications which would allow Oxford to diversify its tree canopy and expand its housing stability program.
During an Oxford City Council meeting March 18, council members voted unanimously to adopt a formal Title VI plan. City staff also presented plans to apply for grants to support a housing stability program and diversify the Uptown tree canopy.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires municipalities which receive federal funding to develop a Title VI Plan to demonstrate compliance with rules against discrimination based on race, color or national origin. While Oxford was already in compliance with this requirement, Assistant City Manager Jessica Greene said, the language was spread across multiple policies. The newly adopted Title VI Plan centralizes the city’s approach in one document.
Greene also introduced an application for a $90,000 public health policy grant from Interact for Health. The money, which would require a $30,000 local match if awarded, would go toward housing stability and eviction diversion programs.
The application is a joint effort between the city, Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS) and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME). If the city receives the grant, most of the funding will go toward the two nonprofits. The city will research housing policy changes and continue funding eviction diversion efforts, while TOPSS will hire a housing stability staff member and manage legal assistance for residents facing housing issues. HOME will provide two educational campaigns on tenants rights and eviction diversion each year, focused on low income and student renters.
Service Director Mike Dreisbach said his department will apply for a $52,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through its Urban Forestry Grant Program. If awarded, the funds will go toward removing 40 callery pear trees Uptown and planting 60 new trees with greater variety. Ohio made it illegal to sell, grow or plant callery pears in 2023 because the tree is an invasive species.
Council members unanimously supported both grant applications. Oxford City Council will meet again Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Oxford Courthouse.
