The Canyon Alliance Budgets for Neighborhood Grants & Emergency Reserve

By Laurel Busby

News & Information Editor

The Canyon Alliance budgeted $103,706 for its expenses in 2025, including $33,500 for neighborhood grants and $20,000 for an emergency reserve, according to information shared at the Sept. 2 board meeting.

Of the neighborhood grant money, $2,500 was spent on a proposal by the Canyon Business Association to create a West Channel sidewalk and streetscape 3-D model, according to Co-Treasurer Wes Hough.

“It was very effective in convincing Vittorio’s to move to the area,” he said.

In addition, Board Member David Jackson submitted a $4,800 grant proposal at the meeting, which was approved, for brush clearance and tree trimming along East and West Rustic Creek. Hough said the Boca Neighborhood Association also contributed $3,000 to the project, which will begin soon.

Other grant recommendations were also mentioned, including tree plantings at Canyon Elementary School and the replacement of playground sand at Rustic Canyon Park, Hough said. However, the remaining $26,200 in neighborhood grant funds has yet to be allocated.

Overall, the 2025 budget is divided between a small general fund of $3,376 and a much larger Canyon Relief & Emergency Fund (CREF) of $100,330. The former includes $2,121 for upkeep of the beach tunnel and Mesa Rd. median, $795 for liability insurance, and $410 that is divided among the website, state nonprofit filing fees, and Mailchimp, which the neighborhood email database is expected to be uploaded to by the end of the month.

The CREF includes the $20,000 emergency reserve, $33,500 for neighborhood grants, $33,975 for Canyon News, $5,470 for a membership database, $1,150 for a project to map the Canyon, $4,136 for website development, and $2,975 for events.

Overall, the Alliance’s spending has been under budget, so a small surplus is likely to be available at the end of the year. For example, Canyon News will likely cost about $5,000 less than estimated, although more funding will be needed for the publication to continue next year.

The Alliance board plans to meet quarterly, so the next meeting should be in December.