The city has launched a new community engagement program, Neighbors in Action, to coalesce residents around strengthening and improving where they live.
Based on former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson’s 1996 initiative Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, NIA will enable residents and neighborhood and local organizations to apply for city resources and small grants toward community-driven projects.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the program was recognized nationally as a model for government and civic partnerships that inspired and supported hundreds of projects across the city that ranged from beautification initiatives to enhanced public safety, city officials say.
To create NIA, the city is inviting community members to respond to a survey and attend in-person meetings (a total of four) to provide their input. Nia means purpose in Swahili and is a core tenet of Kwanzaa, which encourages people and communities to collaborate and pursue collective goals.
Mayor Malik Evans says he’s wanted to launch this program since he became mayor.
“NBN was an incredible program that is still being continued by some neighborhoods,” Evans says. “We wanted to refresh the model and expand participation as our community’s need for a program like this has not changed.
“Strengthening our neighborhoods starts with residents coming together and taking action where they live,” he adds. “NIA is about creating a collective purpose and fostering community pride by enabling residents to improve their surroundings, share their aspirations, and contribute to the overall progress of our city.”
NIA community input meetings are scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. on:
■ Oct. 10, Thomas P. Ryan R-Center, 530 Webster Ave.
■ Oct. 15, Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Blvd.
■ Oct. 17, David F. Gantt R-Center, 700 North St.
■ Oct.22, Edgerton R-Center Stardust Ballroom, 41 Backus St. =
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected].