The City of Lexington is no stranger to utilizing the VRSA Risk Management Grant program. Each year, VRSA distributes more than $400,000 in grant funds to assist members in preventing or reducing losses.
Over the years, the city has used the program to purchase items such as AEDs, magnetic manhole lifts, automatic chemical feeders, trench shields, and more.
With the 2024-2025 grant season opening on Thursday, Aug. 4, we recently spoke with Lexington HR Director Robby Bailey to discuss the city’s process for identifying needs and prioritizing their grant requests each year.
“We want to make sure all departments in the city have equal opportunity to apply for grants,” said Bailey. “So as part of the safety committee, departments have the opportunity to submit ideas of what to do with the funds and vote as a committee as to where money will be best utilized.”
The safety committee is represented by staff from public works, fire, police, administration, tourism, and the Rockbridge Area Recreation Organization, who bring with them ideas for items that may contribute to safety within the city.
Learn more about the city’s process in the video below.