The city’s Neighborhood Services Department saw its housing revitalization programs grow in popularity in 2015, according to city staff. As a result, additional money was allocated toward its programs in the city’s fiscal year 2015-16 budget.

The department was originally a division under the Planning Department but was reorganized in March to include staff members from the Property Standards division. The 45-member department will move from Municipal Center to the city’s joint-use facility at 7501 Independence Parkway in late spring.

Neighborhood Services programs have helped beautify homes 35 years and older. More than 170 homes have benefited from projects funded through the Great Update Rebate since it launched in late 2014, according to city staff. The Love Where You Live program was created in 2010 and depends on volunteers helping in the upkeep of older homes. The city also offers first-time homebuyers assistance and neighborhood enhancement grants.