Strong Neighborhoods

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Roosevelt neighbors standing around newly planted tree
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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

Feedback needed from Active Neighborhood Associations

If your Neighborhood Association registered with the City of Ames years ago, please consider participating in this survey. If your Neighborhood is not a registered Association but is close knit and organizes get togethers, you are also invited to participate in this survey!

Our goal is to understand your current membership, celebrate  your activities, and identify how the City could better assist you.
Please submit your response to the Active Neighborhood Association Survey
by Monday, March 23, 2026. 

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

The City of Ames is launching the 2026 Neighborhood Connections initiative to foster community engagement through four key strategies:
  • By strengthening Neighborhood Associations
  • Refreshing the Neighborhood Improvement Grant
  • A "Road Trip Through Ames"  running from May through September with block parties to connect residents with city services and staff
  • Connecting with Current Community Groups

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 Improvement 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  

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant is currently undergoing changes to maximize its impact and accessibility.  

Please consider answering this short survey. We would like your feedback on how to improve this opportunity for residents. Click on the link "Neighborhood Improvement Grant" to review the current format. 

If you are a past recipient of the Neighborhood Improvement Grant, you know firsthand the impact that community-driven projects can have on our neighborhoods. Please consider participating in this survey, your feedback will helps us improve the program. The survey will be open until Monday, April 6th. 

Neighborhood Improvement Grant Survey

 

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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