Item B: Neighborhood Services Update

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contribute to improved two-way communication with the City. Staff is investigating model programs identified in the assessment and this recommendation has been suggested as a priority issue to be addressed within the future work of the successor group to the NEI. ? Increase neighborhood association training opportunities - Neighborhood Services has revamped its annual leader orientation program, delivering two trainings in July and August that were attended by one-third of the board members of all neighborhood associations. A survey of neighborhood training needs has been completed and additional trainings on the fundamentals of planning and development, best practices for neighborhood boards and resolving neighborhood conflicts are currently being scoped. ? Implement neighborhood-based planning – The Planning Division is well underway to begin implementing the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan process. Staff have been collaborating with neighborhood leaders and researching other models to develop a process that fits Eugene’s needs. A draft process guide is being developed and results of a community-wide neighborhood survey are being compiled that will provide baseline information for neighborhoods. Tentative plans are to conduct pilot projects with at least two neighborhoods in early 2010. ? Formally recognize the Neighborhood Leaders Council (NLC) – Although the consultant recommended formal recognition of the NLC, the implementation team modified this recommendation to focus on clarifying the role of the NLC in relation to neighborhood associations, the community and the City organization, which may include formal recognition by the City Council. Neighborhood Services is working with the current NLC co-chairs to draft a memo that will help clarify the composition, role and relationship of the NLC to the City. ? Review/consider updating the Neighborhood Organization Recognition Policy (NORP) – The NORP was established in 1976. Eugene has had an established system of formally recognized neighborhood associations for more than 30 years without undergoing a review of the policy document governing their role and function and relationship to the City. A thorough review of the NORP to ensure the policy remains relevant and adequately addresses accountability and governance issues is recommended. For the same reason, it is recommended that the model charter for neighborhood associations undergo a parallel review. Review of these policy documents will involve collaboration with neighborhood associations, the NLC and City Council and is anticipated to begin in 2010. ? Review/consider revising City’s policy on regulating the size of neighborhood associations – Neighborhood associations struggle with participation. While a smaller-sized neighborhood is not a guarantee for engaging more neighbors, those neighborhoods with extremely large boundaries have unique challenges in community organizing. Generally speaking, those neighborhoods that have distinct identities (SUNA, Jefferson Westside, Friendly) are the most “active.” Currently, six neighborhood associations exceed the adopted guidelines for neighborhood size (approximately 5,000 households maximum) adopted in 2000. Neighborhood Services staff has entered into informal discussions with neighborhood leaders on the challenges of addressing this issue. A more formal process involving the NLC, the largest neighborhood associations and relevant City Councilors will begin in 2010. RELATED CITY POLICIES This item relates to the City Council values of: ? Effective, Accountable Municipal Government: a government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable and positive outcomes, and ? Safe Community: a community in which everyone feels safe, valued and welcome. Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M091118\S091118B.doc