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:

  • Coordinate the City’s public involvement for outreach efforts to neighborhoods

  • Research issues and coordinate meetings between neighborhood representatives and City staff or elected officials regarding neighborhood concerns

  •  Assist residents with starting and maintaining inclusive neighborhood associations, including distributing neighborhood associations’ newsletters and announcements

  • 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

  •  Attend neighborhood and homeowners’ association meetings

  • Coordinate the Neighborhood Grant Program, which allocates a portion of the City’s capital improvement funds (CIP) for projects requested by associations

  • Organize an annual Neighborhood Workshop and Awards event

  • Arrange for mediation services through the Community Services Department to help resolve conflicts between neighbors

  • Chair the Neighborhood Service Team (NST), a task force made up of several City departments focusing on neighborhood issues

  • Seek out links to local and national neighborhood programs (e.g. Neighborhoods USA - NUSA) to research new ideas for strengthening neighborhoods

  • Staff the Neighborhood Advisory Commission

  • 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