Strong Neighborhoods

Neighborhood residents tree planting
Residents at Block Party next to Trailer
Roosevelt neighbors standing around newly planted tree
child on pavement next to a chalk sign that says party
Firefighters talking with residents and apparatus in the background
Adult and child sitting at a table at a block party

Join us at our Neighborhood Connections Road Trip Stops

Neighborhood Associations

A good way for neighbors to organize is through a Neighborhood Association. You can give a voice to your neighborhood, receive official public notices, and benefit from the many neighborhood programs.

Key Purposes and Activities:
  • Advocacy and Representation: Acting as a unified voice for residents regarding planning, zoning, and safety issues with city officials
  • Community Building: Organizing events like block parties, meetings, and newsletters to build social connections and a sense of belonging
  • Neighborhood Improvement: Promoting beautification projects, cleaning, and maintenance of public areas 
  • Information Sharing: Keeping residents informed about local issues and connecting them with city resources

Click here to view the City of Ames Neighborhood Associations Map(PDF, 241KB). Please note, not all of these associations are currently active.

For information on your Neighborhood Association contact person, or on starting a Neighborhood Association if you don't live within an existing one, please contact Engagement Coordinator, Casandra Eames at: 515.239.5219 or email her at: casandra.eames@cityofames.org

 

Neighborhood Connections

                                                                                      Neighborhood Connections logo

 

The City of Ames is launching the 2026 Neighborhood Connections initiative to foster community engagement through four key strategies:

 

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These initiatives aim to build stronger neighborhoods, increase civic trust, and enhance communication regarding city projects.

To learn about this initiative, you can find details in the Staff Report. If you would like to learn more information or your community group would like to be involved, please contact: casandra.eames@cityofames.org

 

Neighborhood Engagement Grant

The purpose of this grant is to: 

  • Promote a greater sense of community through resident participation in a neighborhood project  

  • To strengthen a neighborhood's appearance with the addition of permanent physical improvements 

  • New! Support community connections through:

    Programs that provide hands-on learning, training, and education that support the community like CPR training, Mental Health First Aid training, healthy cooking 2 demonstrations, STEM Activities, etc.

    Unique projects that engage and bring neighbors together and make them better connected, but do not require a physical improvement, like hosting an outdoor movie night, a block party, an around-the-world festival, or outdoor games, etc.

    Multimedia, art, and design activities such as enhancing assets that are sources of neighborhood pride. This could be painting a mural or having an event to showcase art, hosting a chalk art event or doing a public art installation.

    The $500 maximum grant award could cover expenses such as: Food and non-alcoholic beverages Entertainment Facility and equipment rentals Insurance fees Materials (paint, plants, etc.) Marketing, promotion, and other advertising fees Specialized labor (arborist, training facilitator, etc.)

Interested in applying for the Neighborhood Engagement Grant? 

Please click here to fill out the application. 

If you have any questions, please contact Engagement Coordinator, Casandra Eames at: casandra.eames@cityofames.org

 

Block Parties

Hosting a block party is a powerful way to transform a collection of houses into a vibrant, supportive community and gives everyone an opportunity to connect and build relationships.

Click here to learn how to reserve the Street 'N' Greet Block Party Trailer. 

 

Safe Neighborhoods

The Ames Police Department has a dedicated Community Resource Officer to educate community members about general knowledge, safety, and provide community outreach. Click here to learn more about the Community Resource Officer

 

 

 

 

 

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