Four Principles

Residents Must Lead the Process

Neighborhood residents must lead the process. Great Neighborhoods only occur where neighborhood residents, and businesses, take the lead. The City provides services to neighborhoods and can support neighborhood efforts, but the City cannot create Great Neighborhoods that meet the needs and desires of residents by dictating how neighborhoods should function and develop.

Long Term Commitment

Neighborhood residents must have a long-term commitment. Neighborhoods constantly evolve and not always in ways that are desirable. Neighborhood residents and businesses need to have a long-term involvement and be willing to address a variety of issues. Short-term involvement that addresses one-time issues, such as a zoning application that is perceived to be threatening, will not contribute to the long-term improvement of neighborhoods.

Inclusive of All Participants

Neighborhoods must be inclusive of anyone who wants to participate. Some residents of neighborhoods will be leaders and others will be supporters. Neighborhoods must engage in activities and processes that allow all residents to participate at a level with which they are comfortable. Neighborhoods should also be inclusive of groups from outside the neighborhood, such as not-for-profits and social organizations, that can bring beneficial resources to the neighborhood.

Engaging Activities

Neighborhoods must have continual activities that engage the entire neighborhood. Neighborhoods cannot expect that simply holding quarterly or monthly meetings will necessarily result in engaged residents and businesses. Each neighborhood is unique, and each must develop activities that engage people socially before they will necessarily get involved in dealing with neighborhood issues.