[NLC] Neighborhood Services e-report

[KINNISON Michael J]

Hello Leaders.  In preparation for this month's meeting the following are current items of interest in the Neighborhood Services Program:

Better Boards and Meetings Training
On November 6, neighborhood leaders joined members of City boards, commissions and community groups for a six- hour training on understanding and communicating a group's mission, representation, decision-making, goal-setting and meeting facilitation. The training was developed in collaboration with participating stakeholder group representatives and City staff who guided the content and structure of the training. The City worked with COGITO, Inc., a local consulting firm focused on strengthening public engagement. Participants were highly engaged in role playing, and small- and large-group facilitated discussions, and received a primer on developing working agreements and a resource guide with thought-provoking articles related to participation, outreach and alternatives to Robert's Rules. Final documents will be available on the Neighborhood Services website in December.

A Day of Dialogue and Deliberation
A van load of Eugene neighborhood leaders travelled to Portland on October 13 for the Cascadia Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation.  The event was sponsored by the Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement and attracted local government staff, non-profits and community activists throughout the region to explore ways to create opportunities for quality public engagement.  Participants learned about the City of Portland's Public Involvement Advisory Council, Healthy Democracy Oregon's Citizen Initiative Review, community forums in King County and other innovative public engagement processes.  An afternoon of open space sessions allowed for more networking and small group discussions on a variety of topics related to citizen involvement in local decision-making.

SNAPs
Four applications have been submitted for participation in the next Strategic Neighborhood Assessment and Planning cycle.  Projects include exploring the establishment of community gardens in ABC, expanding engagement and participation in the Harlow neighborhood, supporting the Latino business district in Whiteaker and Jefferson Westside neighborhoods, and an outreach and education project focused on the strategies and recommendations of the River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations Transition Report.  Two projects will be selected in December with work to begin in January 2011.

Neighborhood Reporting
Neighborhood Services submits an annual report to City Council on the activities of neighborhood associations.  Criteria have been established to determine whether a neighborhood group is active, semi-active or dormant based on meeting frequency, attendance and the holding of elections.  Individual neighborhood reports are requested to be submitted to our office by the end of the calendar year.  A final report that includes information on neighborhood accomplishments, needs and trends will be submitted to City Council in January.  Your cooperation in providing the requested information is much appreciated.

NUSA Neighborhood of the Year Awards
Neighborhoods USA, the nation's largest grassroots organization dedicated to sharing information and experiences for building stronger communities, has opened the 2011 Neighborhood of the Year Awards to recognize the outstanding work of neighborhood associations from across the US.  Awards will be given for 1) physical revitalization/beautification; 2) social revitalization/neighborliness; and 3) multi-neighborhood project partnerships.  There is also a neighborhood newsletter competition.  Nominations are due by February 15, 2011.  Finalists will travel to the 2011 NUSA Conference in Anchorage, Alaska where winners will be announced.  Neighborhood Services will be requesting participation by Eugene's neighborhood associations.  If you think your neighborhood is deserving please contact us to discuss an application.


Michael Kinnison, Program Manager
City of Eugene - City Manager's Office
Neighborhood Services Program
99 West 10th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
phone (541) 682-5009
fax (541) 682-8335
http://www.eugene-or.gov/neighborhoods
Building a healthy, equitable and prosperous community by connecting people and resources, creating opportunities, and providing support for neighborhood associations, the City organization and the broader community.

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