The city of Rochester wants input on a new community engagement program. The Neighbors in Action Program aims to encourage residents to take action to strengthen their neighborhoods.
The city says the initiative is based on Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, which was started in 1996 by former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson. According to city officials, NBN was a nationally recognized model that inspired and supported hundreds of projects across the city ranging from beautification initiatives to enhanced public safety.
“I’ve wanted to launch this program since before my first day on the job as Mayor,” said Mayor Malik Evans. “NBN was an incredible program that is still being continued by some neighborhoods. We wanted to refresh the model and expand participation as our community’s need for a program like this has not changed. Strengthening our neighborhoods starts with residents coming together and taking action where they live. NIA is about creating a collective purpose and fostering community pride by enabling residents to improve their surroundings, share their aspirations, and contribute to the overall progress of our city."
Residents and neighborhood organizations will also be able to apply for city resources and small grants to support their projects.
The first of four input meetings is taking place on Thursday. The schedule is as follows:
- 5:30–7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave.
- 5:30–7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Blvd.
- 5:30–7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St.
- 5:30–7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct.22, Edgerton R-Center Stardust Ballroom, 41 Backus St.
To learn more about NIA and take the input survey, click here.