Title
Neighborhood Program Briefing
Issue:
How to better engage residents in the planning process and in City programs
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Discuss information; provide guidance. [The Coalition of Neighborhood Associations’ Steering Committee has reviewed and recommends the Memorandum of Understanding.]
Staff Contact:
Jennifer Kenny, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8031
Presenters:
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning and Development
Jennifer Kenny, Associate Planning
Bob Jones and Phil Schulte, Coalition of Neighborhood Associations
Background and Analysis:
Neighborhood Recognition Program -
Olympia's Neighborhood Recognition (RNA) Program was started in 1989 as a way to foster ongoing communication between City Government and neighborhood associations. Neighborhoods voluntarily choose to participate in the Olympia program and all neighborhoods located within the City of Olympia and its Urban Growth Area are eligible to apply. There are 40 active recognized neighborhood associations at this time. These vary in size since borders are self-defined and many are also Home Owners Associations. Services to RNAs included grant opportunities, notification of development projects, educational classes, use of City copier for newsletters, maps and other materials for neighborhood projects, and programs to enhance public spaces in neighborhoods. The neighborhood liaison also assists RNAs with various issues that arise.
Coalition of Neighborhood Associations -
The program’s scope has expanded over time, and most recently with the formation of the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. The Coalition is not a formal City entity but it does convene meetings in support of recognized neighborhood associations. One of the main issues of concern to both the City and Coalition is that many areas of city are not represented by a recognized neighborhood association.
A New Approach -
The Coalition of Neighborhood Associations i...
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