The Neighborhood Partnership Program
In addition to providing support to the 19 neighborhood associations, the City collaborates with two neighborhood areas focusing on community building through the Neighborhood Partnership Program. The City of Salem currently partners with two neighborhood areas in this way, the South East Salem and East Lancaster Neighborhood Areas.
It’s a collaborative process made possible when residents, property owners, renters, schools, businesses, nonprofits, churches, local government, community organizations and others all working together to improve livability of a neighborhood area. Partners address the issues and concerns of the people who live and work in a specific area. Whether it’s graffiti, vandalism, park clean up, hunger, support for kids, or educational opportunities, the Partnership focuses on the neighborhood's strengths to solve problems. The Partnership provides an opportunity for people to identify issues, work together, organize activities and projects and leverage additional resources when needed.
Background
In 1997, the South East Salem Neighborhood Association (SESNA) was requiring a greater amount of City resources than other neighborhoods. For example, Compliance Services was spending a third of its time addressing violations just in this neighborhood. From 1996 to 1997, SESNA experienced a 28% increase in crime which was very significant when compared to other Salem neighborhoods.
The City was interested in doing something proactive, but the Partnership Program is a collaborative process so there also had to be other committed partners. Willing partners were found including:
· Capital Park Wesleyan Church, which was getting ready to open a Community Center to serve the neighborhood area
· The Richmond Elementary Principal, who was very involved in community outreach
· The Neighborhood Association, which was receptive to the new partnership
The Partnerships Expand
In 2001 a Partnership was added in the Highland area. In 2011, the City restructured this program to a “Rotating Partnership” model giving it the flexibility to impact multiple areas of Salem. In addition, each year the new structure allows the City to make sure support is going to neighborhood areas with a combination of the highest need and willing partners.
There is an opportunity for any interested group to apply for support each year. The first round of applications was scored based on neighborhood need, measurable goals and readiness of partners to work with the City in addressing them. The East Lancaster Neighborhood Association (ELNA) area was chosen as the first Rotating Partnership.
Making a Difference
Neighbors, community partners and local government have been working together through the Neighborhood Partnership Program to build stronger neighborhoods for over a decade, contributing countless hours and resources. These efforts have prompted growth in citizen participation, facilitated neighborhood improvement projects and contributed to overall improvement of the neighborhood areas. This has included:
Conclusion
Over the years, the structure of the program and boundaries of the Partnership areas have changed. It still serves to gather neighborhood input, guide the process, set goals and coordinate a variety of efforts to improve neighborhood livability. The success of the Neighborhood Partnership Program is due to many actions, none of which can compare to the energy and enthusiasm of the people who live and work in a neighborhood.
Contact Us
Jessica Loewen Preis
Neighborhood Partnership Coordinator
Neighborhood Enhancement Division
555 Liberty Street SE, Room 305
Salem OR 97301
503-588-6207
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