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1. What are some ways to get started in organizing a neighborhood-based group?

The first step is to meet your neighbors and discuss goals and possibilities.

You can find some great tips on connecting in the following publications:

Effective Outreach and Engagement Strategies  (courtesy City of Bend)

Community Outreach: Lessons Learned and Good Practices (courtesy Ottawa Neighborhoods Social Capital Forum)

2. How can I let others know about a neighborhood-based group?

A neighborhood-based group may request that the City list the group on the City website.  This allows City staff to maintain a list of area representatives in order to share information.

It will also allow community members to find a contact person for their area if one exists.

Steps to having a group recognized on the City's website:

 - (OPTIONAL) Consult with the Community Development Director on target boundaries.  The City suggests a target size of around 100 households, though this is flexible.

 - Visit with your neighbors with the goal of having at least 30% of those households included in the initial application to list the group.  You will likely want to gather contact information such as phone numbers and emails; please do not turn that personal information into the City.

 - Submit your completed forms to the Community Development Department.

Sample forms are available here:

SAMPLE Neighborhood-Based Group Tracking Sheet (to submit to City)

SAMPLE Neighborhood-Based Group Contact Sheet (not for City use)

3. How can I or my neighborhood-based group get informed about City meetings?

The best way to be informed about City meetings is to sign up for the City's "Stay Connected" notifications.  

Through Stay Connected, you can sign up for alerts according to your interests:

 - Alert Center (Emergency Alerts)

 - Bid Postings

 - Government Jobs (City job openings)

 - NewsFlash (Postings in the "Latest News" area of the website)

 - Calendar 

 - Agenda Center (packet posting notifications)

4. How can I or my neighborhood-based group share opinions?

Public meetings and public comment are two great ways to offer your input.

• Public meetings are listed through the Calendar and Agenda Center (get notified through Stay Connected) and many of the meetings have the opportunity for public comment.  You can always verify this in the agenda.
• Additionally, you may email PublicComment@silverton.or.us  if you are unable to attend a particular meeting and would like your comments to be forwarded to the appropriate person.

The City also scheduled open houses and other community engagement activities throughout the year; these activities will always be communicated through the website, Facebook, and community partners.

5. How can I get support resolving an issue with a neighbor?

Resources are available to support neighbors in working through conflict.

To begin, please see this list of problem solving tips, courtesy of Portland-based Resolutions Northwest.

If you are seeking more support in resolving an issue, please contact Neighbor2Neighbor for Marion County.

6. What are some ways to build community with neighbors?

Have fun!

• When planning gathering such as a block party, please review the Special Event permit requirements

Plan a beautification project! 

• When considering a project that would alter City property, please contact the Public Works Department to discuss any required steps.