City Programs Available to Neighborhood Groups There are a number of resources available to neighborhoods within the City of Valparaiso that can help your group enhance the quality of life for your neighbors and strengthen your neighborhood association. The Community Engagement Department is your partner to connect you with these resources. Contact us at 219-462-1161 to learn more or discuss your ideas.
Neighborhood Toolkit The Neighborhood Toolkit is a resource for your neighborhood group that may be just forming or has been established for some time. This toolkit offers a variety of information on how to organize your neighborhood, run an effective meeting, host a block party, navigate your local government and more.
Neighborhood Directory Determine a key contact to sign up your neighborhood group to be listed on our city-wide Neighborhood Directory. The city can also use this information to send you updates on neighborhood programs, services and opportunities! Learn more and sign up online.
Neighborhood Walks As weather allows, the City hosts regular Neighborhood Walks to connect with neighborhoods and neighbors. The Walks provide an opportunity for the mayor and members of the city’s leadership team to learn more about the neighborhoods and respond to resident needs.
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Quarterly Neighborhood Workshops Representatives from neighborhood groups are invited to attend quarterly “Neighborhood Workshops” to connect, learn from each other and become more familiar with available neighborhood services. Topics in the past have included updates on the Neighborhood Grant Program and Economic Development Initiatives, Code Enforcement 101 and more. These may be hosted virtually or in person. Previous Neighborhood Workshop summaries are available online.
Meeting and Group Facilitation Support Is your neighborhood group thinking about goal setting, next steps or a vision plan for the future? City staff can facilitate with your neighborhood group to help guide the conversation in a productive, positive and meaningful way. Contact us to discuss what would work best for your group!
Good Neighbor Recognition Program The Good Neighbor Recognition Program was launched in 2020 to promote neighborhood involvement and community service. The Good Neighbor Award is an annual recognition, highlighting an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to their neighborhood and the greater community through volunteerism and service. The City will seek nominations in the fall of each year and nominations can come from individuals or on behalf of neighborhood groups.
