How a $20,000 Grant is Helping Utica Bloom

By David LaGuerre

What does it take to build a stronger community? Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as planting a garden or cleaning up a neglected park. Thanks to a $20,000 grant from Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful, the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) is about to do just that, funding projects that will make Utica a more beautiful and vibrant place to live.

Small Grants, Big Impact

This grant is a powerful reminder that we do not always need massive, top-down initiatives to create meaningful change. The funds will support community-led projects, empowering residents to take ownership of their own neighborhoods. This is about more than just aesthetics; it is about fostering a sense of pride and connection.

The grant is part of a statewide effort to support local beautification and environmental projects. When people see visible improvements in their surroundings—cleaner streets, new public art, or community gardens—it sends a clear message: this place matters, and the people who live here matter. This is the core mission of the MVCAA, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty and building self-sufficient communities.

The Deeper Value of a Beautiful Community

Investing in public spaces is an investment in public well-being. Clean, beautiful, and safe neighborhoods are linked to better mental and physical health outcomes. They encourage people to spend time outdoors, interact with their neighbors, and build the social bonds that are the bedrock of a strong community.

Some may view beautification as a low priority compared to other pressing issues. However, this perspective misses the point. A community’s appearance is often a reflection of its spirit. Neglect can breed apathy, while care and attention can inspire hope and action. By funding these projects, we are treating a symptom and a cause at the same time, improving our environment while boosting civic engagement.

A Call to Action for All of Us

This grant is fantastic news, but it is also a call to action. The work of building a better Utica and a better Mohawk Valley belongs to all of us. The MVCAA provides a framework, but it relies on volunteers and community partners to bring these projects to life.

Let us celebrate this win and then ask ourselves: what can we do to help? Whether it is volunteering for a cleanup day, planting flowers in a public space, or simply picking up litter on our street, we all have a role to play. Let this grant be the seed from which a renewed sense of community pride grows.

What kind of beautification project would you like to see in your neighborhood? Share your ideas in the comments and share this story to inspire others!