About the Neighborhood Services Division
Created by City Council resolution in 1987, the City of
Tempe's Neighborhood Services Division serves to preserve and improve the
integrity of Tempe's neighborhoods by building community and encouraging citizen
participation in decision-making processes. The Division provides services to
residents along with 75 neighborhood associations, more than 120 homeowners associations and 5 affiliate
groups.
The Neighborhood Services Division's key focus is to maintain clear communication lines between
neighborhood groups, residents and City Hall. By linking Tempe residents with City officials
and staff,
the Division helps them identify, address and resolve neighborhood issues and
establish future
goals and priorities.
The collaborative partnership between City Hall, neighborhood groups
and residents continues to strengthen and grow.
Every year four to five new neighborhood associations form. In addition, an increasing
number of neighborhood leaders serve on various City boards and commissions. Most
importantly, more and more Tempe residents are finding that one doesn't have to
"fight City Hall" but rather work with it to improve and maintain the quality of
life in our community.
Functions of the Neighborhood Services Division:
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Coordinate the City’s
public involvement for outreach efforts to neighborhoods
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Research issues and
coordinate meetings between neighborhood representatives and City staff or
elected officials regarding neighborhood concerns
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Assist
residents with starting and maintaining inclusive neighborhood associations,
including distributing neighborhood associations’ newsletters and
announcements
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Maintain a database of all
neighborhood and homeowners’ associations’ contacts to distribute topical
information and agendas of Development Review Commission, Board of
Adjustment and Hearing Officer meetings
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Attend
neighborhood and homeowners’ association meetings
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Coordinate the Neighborhood
Grant Program, which allocates a portion of the City’s capital improvement
funds (CIP) for projects requested by associations
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Organize an annual
Neighborhood Workshop and Awards event
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Arrange for mediation
services through the Community Services Department to help resolve conflicts
between neighbors
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Chair the Neighborhood
Service Team (NST), a task force made up of several City departments
focusing on neighborhood issues
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Seek out links to local and
national neighborhood programs (e.g. Neighborhoods USA - NUSA) to research
new ideas for strengthening neighborhoods
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Staff the Neighborhood
Advisory Commission
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Staff the City Council’s
Quality of Life Committee
Neighborhood Services Division staff:
Shauna Warner, Neighborhood Services
Director, 480-350-8883,
shauna_warner@tempe.gov
Elizabeth Thomas, 480-350-8223, elizabeth_thomas@tempe.gov
FAX: (480) 350-8996
E-mail: neighborhoods@tempe.gov
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