Residents can weigh in on neighborhood improvements

TIFFIN — The city of Tiffin is inviting residents to help shape the next round of community development projects through a series of public meetings this July. The input gathered will be used to help determine how the city uses its upcoming allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Eligible for up to $150,000 in the 2026–27 cycle, the city is turning to residents to identify what they believe are the city's most critical needs. Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings — held in each of the city's four wards — or fill out an online survey at TiffinNeeds.com to make their voices heard. "By listening to our citizens, we ensure that community improvement projects are not only effective, but meaningful to the people they're meant to serve," Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson said. According to Judy Dezse, Grants & Community Development Coordinator for both the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership, past projects funded by CDBG have had a noticeable and lasting impact, especially in underserved areas of the city. "Two Community Development Block Grant projects that have left a lasting impact on the city of Tiffin are the Nature Trails Park and Riverview Park," Dezse said, referencing projects funded in 2020 and 2018. "These investments not only addressed recreational needs, but also contributed to broader community development and quality of life," she added. All public input, whether submitted in person or online, will be compiled and shared with City Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator. "While additional project concepts may originate from city officials, the final selection will be determined based on a combination of identified community needs and overall project feasibility," Dezse said. "At this stage, it would be premature to speculate on specific projects." According to Dezse, the CDBG allocation program follows a two-year cycle. She elaborated, saying the application period for the 2026 funds is expected to open in May 2026 and to close in June. If awarded, city officials would have until August 2028 to complete the selected project, noting the timeline is subject to change based on factors like state review, fund disbursement and contractor availability. Each ward meeting will include a brief overview of the CDBG program, examples of past projects, and a structured discussion aimed at gathering local insight. Meetings are open to all city residents, regardless of their ward. Meeting schedule: • 1st Ward – Tuesday, July 22 | 6:30–7:30 PM at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, 77 Jefferson St. • 3rd Ward – Thursday, July 24 | 6:30–7:30 PM at North Central Ohio ESC, 928 W. Market St. • 2nd Ward – Tuesday, July 29 | 6:30–7:30 PM at Faith United Methodist Church, 75 N. Sandusky St. • 4th Ward – Thursday, July 31 | 6:30–7:30 PM at Tiffin Amvets, 1909 Melmore St. To submit feedback online, visit TiffinNeeds.com.