Neighborhood Associations and Grassroots Organizations: How a City Manager, Staff, and Leadership Can Partner

Neighborhood associations and grassroots organizations play a critical role in shaping the fabric of local communities, serving as the voice of residents and oftentimes advocating for their needs. In the local government world, accountability is a cornerstone for transparency, integrity, and effective decision-making throughout all levels of the organization. Empowering these community-driven entities as partners helps promote accountability among elected officials and city staff members while also promoting civic engagement.

Community Engagement for the Local Leader

Understanding the Role of Neighborhood Associations and Grassroots Organizations

Neighborhood associations and grassroots organizations serve as the voice of the community, representing the interests and concerns of residents on a local level. Whether they are the neighborhood watch type groups, or those brought together for a different purpose, these groups often work to address issues such as community development, safety, and quality of life, making them vital partners in promoting accountability within local governance.

Oftentimes, these groups aim to improve accountability at the local level. Sometimes, they believe that their mission is to ensure that elected officials and city staff members act in the best interests of the community they serve. They may also view their role as holding those in leadership positions accountable for their decisions and actions, thereby instilling trust in the government and fostering a culture of transparency and integrity. When staff makes recommendations to City Councils, oftentimes these groups have perspectives that shed light on the concerns they grapple with and aim to address.

Building Bridges Between Community Groups and the City

Oftentimes, when engaging with community members, staff and elected officials must confront difficult societal topics particularly when serving communities that have often been marginalized. Sometimes, the trust between local leadership and the residents is non-existent which makes fruitful conversations difficult due to the lack of trust.

In my experience, instead of trying to get one’s own point across, it is much better to just listen and take in all the information. Seeking to understand the other’s viewpoint oftentimes goes much further than trying to get one’s own point across.

Real World Examples in Action

Empowering communities through education and advocacy can strengthen accountability mechanisms within local governance. By equipping residents with knowledge and resources, grassroots organizations can mobilize support for transparent and accountable governance practices. Simple ideas include community townhalls at existing places with their own networks including local faith-based organizations and other areas where local community groups gather. Instead of hosting a town hall at City Hall, or Council Chambers, give thought to where YOU can meet the public. In their area.

I once facilitated an impromptu staff, Mayor, and community discussion in someone’s living room, and the family could not have been more thankful and appreciative for coming to their place of residence to see the issues firsthand.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Replication

1. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone; City Hall and Council Chambers can be comfortable and easy environments for staff and electeds; however, it may be overwhelming or intimidating for those not accustomed to visiting these places

2. Keep an open mind. Even if a community group doesn’t align with your own views personally, know that the group may represent significant numbers of people in the community

3. Build, foster, and nurture the relationship. Even from my days in San Bernardino, I still receive phone calls, messages, and well wishes from community members who I worked with over 10 years ago. At the end of the day, human interaction is an incredible thing.

4. Don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations. Oftentimes, these groups have strong and personal feelings on certain items. Sometimes, this can result in strong emotional responses, and so it’s important that you remain calm and cool.