Highlands Council Receives National Recognition

By Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council Executive Director

I was happy and proud to represent Issaquah Highlands again this year at the national Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) conference in El Paso, Texas. Issaquah Highlands was spotlighted several times for our outstanding programs and community building efforts.

NUSA is a national nonprofit organization committed to strengthening neighborhood organizations. The conference, held annually in communities around the country, provides an opportunity for community builders to come together for collaboration.

I connected with people doing outstanding work in their communities, and returned to Issaquah inspired to share and implement what I learned here in Issaquah Highlands. A few highlights for me included learning more about “Missouri Good Neighbor Week,” a neighborhood cleanup program from Birmingham, Alabama, and experiencing the rich art and murals of the city of El Paso.

It is also heartwarming to see our community of Issaquah Highlands inspiring others across the country. Last year, I shared the Art of Adulting program at the conference. Now, youths are benefiting from its implementation in Memphis, Tennessee!

NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR

Connections News was recognized as “Newsletter of the Year” out of submissions from communities across the country. Newsletters were evaluated by a panel of experts based on branding, design, technical layout, content and outreach/involvement.

Residents of Issaquah Highlands receive Connections quarterly in their mailboxes. Additional copies are available at newsstands throughout the community, including Caffe Ladro and the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride. Digital versions (as well as archives) are available at issaquahhighlands.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE YEAR

Issaquah Highlands earned finalist honors in the Neighborhood of the Year award category after we presented two programs, Treats & Tails and The Village Market, to conference attendees and a panel of judges.

Treats & Tails is a youth-organized Halloween event designed to offer a free, safe and dry trick-or-treating opportunity for all (including pets). Judges were most impressed by the program’s youth involvement and large community attendance at the event.

The Village Market at Issaquah Highlands is a monthly artisan/vendor market held at Blakely Hall from October through April. A wide variety of local small businesses come together for a fun shopping experience, which also includes special features like a puzzle swap, recycling initiatives, ice cream and French baked goods. The judges appreciated the program’s sustainability and impact on small businesses.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM

The Issaquah Highlands Light Up the Lanes holiday decorating contest earned finalist honors in the “Best Neighborhood Program” category, which recognizes the outstanding work of organizations and businesses who work to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Light Up the Lanes is an annual program designed to bring cheer to the dark winter months. For the past two years, the program was hosted in partnership with Regency Centers/Grand Ridge Plaza and the two “Most Festive Neighborhoods” were awarded with block parties. The judges loved the program and praised the innovativeness of friendly competition between neighborhoods.