Why is the MBLC requiring the involvement of a municipal official in the application process?
Answer
In previous iterations of the construction grant program, some libraries pursued the planning and design grant without municipal participation, instead deciding to involve the municipality for the construction grant process alone. This new, single-application process requires municipal involvement from the start, as the chosen projects will receive a construction grant upon successful completion of the independent design review at the end of the Planning and Design Phase. A municipal staffer or official with planning and/or financial decision-making authority for capital projects must attend the required application workshop and remain informed throughout the application process.