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1. What are the benefits of organizing a neighborhood association?

• Within the structure of a neighborhood association, residents of an area can organize, develop ideas, and set goals to create better and safer neighborhoods.
• Neighborhood associations provide a forum for getting to know one's neighbors, building community, and working toward shared goals and objectives.
• A neighborhood association gives residents a louder "voice," when addressing elected officials about their issues and concerns.

2. How do we go about forming a neighborhood group?

Typically, the first step in establishing a neighborhood association is to meet with your neighbors in an informal setting to talk about individual impressions and experiences of the neighborhood. This initial meeting could result in:

• An agreement to continue meeting to build neighborhood relationships
• A plan for a neighborhood event, such as a clean-up day or a block party
• Development of a list of issues that neighborhood residents want to address

3. How can the City help me?

The Planning and Economic Development Division is available to help new start-up groups and can assist in the following ways:

• Helping define the area to be included in the neighborhood with geographical boundaries
• Identifying the potential number of members
• Strategizing with neighbors to identify and prioritize neighborhood goals and objectives
• Finding a meeting space
• Introducing start-up groups to more established groups for insight into how to sustain a neighborhood group
• Attending start-up meetings and helping to schedule/run a start-up meeting

4. Is there any money available from the City for neighborhood organizations and civic groups?

Yes, the city has established a fund to encourage activities and events that promote physical and social improvements in neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Improvement Incentive Fund (NIIF) was established to support a wide range of projects, including but not limited to neighborhood clean-up, planting in public spaces, organizing neighborhood events such as area-wide re-use events or block parties, and neighborhood meetings. Please contact:

Megan Wilson
Planning & Economic Development Division
108 E. Green St.
City Hall
Third Floor
Ithaca, NY 14850
Ph: 607-274-6560