| Greetings!
Two weeks ago, over 130 neighborhood leaders and staff came together as one to set out a course for the future of the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. In the face of current budget constraints and limited public resources, the discussions explored four core goals;
Removing barriers to neighborhood action,
Stabilizing neighborhoods in crisis,
Supporting neighborhood action, and
Connecting resources to priorities.
From these conversations it is clear that neighborhood leaders and staff remain deeply committed to positive change in our community, and that Strong Neighborhoods Initiative is more relevant than ever. It is also clear that this is a partnership and neither the neighbors nor the City can succeed alone.
One of the key themes that emerged was the need for more, better and richer communication. We see this email update as one small tool to improve that communication. Take a look around and tell us what you think.
In Collaboration,
Kip Harkness |
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What We Heard on March 29th
As we listened to neighborhood leaders and stakeholders, we heard that success will require:
- The creation of a flexible, field based team that has the staff, technology and capacity to pull together police, code enforcement, housing rehabilitation, anti-graffiti and others in a focused effort to support neighborhoods most in need.
- Renewed commitment to support a strong, capable network of neighborhood leaders and provide them the tools and training they need to take action.
You can follow the links below to find detailed notes from the March 29 workshop:
Spanish translation of this newsletter and the workshop evaluation will be posted on the SNI website one week from this mailing, April 21, 2010.
This information is being used to formulate the Business Plan Update that will be shared at the next workshop. |
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Save The Date!
Please save the following evening on your schedule if you would like to attend the next Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Business Plan Update meeting.
Strong Neighborhoods Initiative
Business Plan Update Workshop
Monday, May 17, 2010
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: To Be Determined
Tentative Agenda
Networking
Review of the draft Business Plan
Working session to identify desired actions |
New Strong Neighborhoods Division
In response to the community's desire for a renewed emphasis on Strong Neighborhoods, on April 7, 2010, the Redevelopment Agency and City of San Jose announced the creation of a new Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Division. The new Division will focus on implementing the updated Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Business Plan.
Kip Harkness has been appointed as the first Director of the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Division reporting to both the City Manager's Office and the Redevelopment Agency.
The Director's charge is to continue to collaborate deeply with neighborhood leaders in the update of the Business Plan and begin working with City departments to organize a team of talented and passionate staff focused on the four goals. |
