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City of Grand Junction Neighborhood Program
 The City of Grand Junction is in the process of implementing a Neighborhood Program. This is a result of the planning and effort that culminated in a Citywide Strategic Plan which listed vital neighborhoods as an integral part of our community.
The stated goal of the City Council is, “A vital, organized network of neighborhoods will exist throughout the City, linked with parks and schools and supported by City resources and active citizen volunteers.”
Core Beliefs
Each neighborhood has its own unique identity which contributes to the small town community atmosphere.
We are a community-oriented government that values cooperation and communication with our citizens.
Goals
- Provide increased and improved communication between residents and the City.
- Promote and retain our small town character.
- Create unique solutions for the changes in each neighborhood.
- Allow neighborhoods to define for themselves what they need from City government.
- Empower local residents to have a greater role in the delivery of City services.
- Organize a vital network of neighborhoods throughout the City, linked with parks and schools and supported by City resources and active citizen volunteers.
- Encourage “citizen owners” and entrepreneurship, building pride and encouraging individual responsibility for the care and quality of their own neighborhoods.
- Initiate change in the neighborhood instead of just reacting to it.
The Role of Staff
- Build neighborhood capacity to identify and resolve neighborhood issues. Staff will provide education and connect citizens to resources such as mediation, city departments, programs in the community, and funding sources.
- Develop programs to meet neighborhood needs. Staff will help interested citizens start new neighborhood groups by providing facilitation, coaching and support.
- Reach out to neighborhoods through a wide variety of communication devices. Staff will promote the neighborhood program through our police department beat officers, through newspaper and newsletter articles, and via other media sources.
Guidelines for Assistance Programs
 The “Know Your Neighbors” grant program is administered by the City Manager’s office and has a maximum grant award of $250. This grant may be awarded to both registered and non-registered neighborhoods that are hosting activities such as ice cream socials, BBQ’s, pot lucks, block parties and general meetings to either organize a neighborhood or create a feeling of social community and belonging.
The “Neighborhood Pride” grant program is approved by the City Council for a registered neighborhood only and has a maximum grant award of $5,000. The request must benefit both the neighborhood and the citizens of Grand Junction and build social capital and stewardship. There will be annual awards for the best pride project. In order to qualify for the grant, the neighborhood must demonstrate one or more of the following:
- Matching funds
- In-kind services/volunteer work
- Donations
- An active association, approved by the City Council
- Neighborhood vision
- A majority of the neighborhood involved in the plan
- Input and participation of local schools, where possible
Possible projects for Neighborhood Pride grant programs include a community garden, neighborhood signs, historic renovation or improvement, clean up projects, landscaping and other physical improvements to the neighborhood.
Feel free to review our Neighborhood Handbook as a resource guide. You can print out your own copy or request a hard copy by calling or e-mailing our office.
Please contact Angela Harness at (970) 256-4184 or by e-mail with any questions or comments.
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