Neighborhoods 1st is a completely new program designed to bring citizen participation back into the local government process and to make residents responsible for the well-being of their neighborhoods. Under this concept, a network of neighborhood associations made up of a number of smaller neighborhood groups have been formed throughout the City. Working in partnership with the City, these groups have been given the responsibility to identify, plan for and implement improvements in their neighborhoods. Our goal is to have eleven associations formed and functioning in the next three to five years. The ultimate aim of Neighborhoods 1st is to make Hagerstown the premier city in which to live in the entire tri-state area.

How did the concept of Neighborhoods 1st begin?

During the summer of 1996, City department managers visited neighborhoods city wide to learn the community strengths and challenges. Our managers discovered two levels of challenges: city-wide and neighborhood specific. This led the City to explore the concept of forming neighborhood associations to address community need.

Neighborhood Associations function well in other communities

Through research, the City learned that well-organized neighborhood associations can play an important role in local government. Success stories were reviewed from large cities like Portland, Oregon and Tampa, Florida, and from smaller ones like Lincoln, Nebraska and Roanoke, Virginia. Great things such as crime reduction, creation of parks and addressing traffic concerns were among the successes noted in these communities. The common link in each success story is a well-organized neighborhood association working to reach a clear goal.

How is our Neighborhoods 1st committee structured?

Nearly all City departments have a representative who has volunteered to serve on our Neighborhoods 1st committee. The group is made up of employees from many backgrounds. Each person has their own unique talent, experience and education to lend to this important effort.

What accomplishments have been made to date?

Our Neighborhoods 1st committee was formed in February of 1997. Since forming, our group has been quite active as you can see from the following:

During June through October 1997, a citizens' neighborhood survey was preformed in conjunction with the Hagerstown Fire Department's regular community smoke alarm campaign. Results of the survey were tabulated and released.

While the survey was in progress, our committee designed a Neighborhood Association Tool Kit which is used as a guide for new groups.

The City has examined our ability to provide quality customer service to you, our customer. Our goal is to provide quality basic services in a friendly and responsive manner.

The many accomplishments of the City's Neighborhoods 1st Groups include:

• Razing vacant, dilapidated housing and constructing a much needed parking lot.
• Cleaning-up and upgrading neighborhood playgrounds
• Community bulletin boards, benches and pavilions
• Cleaning up eyesore properties
• National Nights Out, Block Parties and Christmas Lighting Contests
• Landscaping and Murals
• Installing new street signs for a safer community
• Neighborhood Yard Sales, Neighborhood Websites, and Monthly Neighborhood Newsletters
• Community Garden and Tea Parties
• Increased Police Patrols and enforcing speed limits
• Graffiti elimination campaigns
• Bicycle Safety Courses and Jr. Fireman Programs
• Easter Parade and Lunch with the Easter Bunny
• Decorating Downtown Store Windows
• Flower Boxes, Downtown Movies, Festivals and Walks

The Neighborhoods 1st program has received tremendous support from City administration. Our leadership views the program as one of the most important efforts the City has ever undertaken. Our program continues to receive the support and resources required to make it successful.

Why form a neighborhood association?

Successful neighborhood associations can create many benefits. Here are just a few we would like to highlight:

Benefits to citizens:

The opportunity to know and understand your neighborhood - gain a clear picture of the area where you live and understand the strengths and potential weaknesses of your neighborhood.

Improved communications - a better line of communication with both your neighbors and the City. Knowing who shares your goal of a quality neighborhood and how you can accomplish the task.

Quality City service - communicating with the City so we know how to best serve your neighborhood in a focused manner. Simply stated, what can we do to help you and your neighbors achieve the goal of a quality neighborhood.

Ownership of neighborhood - the key to a great neighborhood is establishing an attitude of ownership. As neighbors work together on common issues a bond of ownership and pride is created.

Benefit to City:

Improved communication with the community - organized neighborhood associations will be a voice for the group so information and needs can be exchanged in a professional and timely manner.

Knowledge of citizens needs - the City wants to be responsive to citizens needs! Knowing what is needed from the City by the group will make it easier for us to assist in a professional and timely manner.

Ability to enhance quality service - the City is working hard to provide quality service to our customers. By working together we can make our community an even greater place to live and work.

Remember - every great effort has a starting point!

Vision of Neighborhood 1st start up and future

The future is bright

Neighborhood groups have been instrumental in making positive changes in other communities. The City of Hagerstown is committed to the task of helping you make your community a great place to work and live.

We invite you to join our Neighborhoods 1st team. For more information on the program you may telephone Cindy Blackstock at 301-739-8577, extension 191.