I'd Like a Crack at That $300 Million

· Fund the updating of at least five to 10 neighborhood libraries that desperately need state-of-the-art wiring and computers, flexible space for meetings, and staffing for after-school learning and literacy efforts.

· Any funds left over, pick those school buildings that are in worst shape and dedicate the funds to their restoration.

These types of expenditures put people to work, make our city more attractive and cleaner, create more economic opportunity, and give us facilities and neighborhoods we can be proud of. In reality they likely end up saving money way beyond the amount that's spent. Now that's smart spending.

RICHARD MOE

President, National Trust for Historic Preservation:

The city should provide funding to continue the restoration of the Lincoln Cottage, on the grounds of the Soldiers'Home. One of the most important "unknown" Lincoln sites in the country, it was a home away from home for Lincoln and his family during the Civil War; he worked on drafts of the Emancipation Proclamation during his stays there. Exterior restoration of the cottage was completed earlier this year, but there's still plenty of work to be done before we can open it to the public: About $3 million for the interior renovation, and another $3 million for exhibits, programming, staff, etc.

B. STANLEY

Executive director, District of Columbia Arts Center:

District artists have limited public funding resources: In Virginia, you can apply to your county, town or state, but in the District it's just the city -- and the National Endowment for the Arts. Because there's no delineation for experience in how the money's handed out, national-level artists like Sam Gilliam or William Christenberry are applying for the same money as someone who paints on the weekends or who just graduated. We need a better, smarter funding apparatus. The real estate boom won't last forever, so maybe setting up an endowment would be the best answer. Right now, the city's whole arts budget is a little better than $3 million, less than that of San Francisco, Chicago or Atlanta. Out of $318 million, I don't think that another $3 million is out of the question.

TOGO D. WEST JR.

President and CEO,

Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies:

Education, youth-related job and recreational programs -- virtually any program that will get the youth of the District of Columbia off the streets and into productive and formative activities would be a good investment for the city. There is never enough money in any urban budget to support these.