City Code Chapter
3.96.010 Purpose.
- This Chapter creates a framework by which the people of the City may effectively participate in civic affairs and work to improve the livability and character of their neighborhoods and the City. This Chapter sets out the basis for City recognition of neighborhood associations, district coalitions, and business district associations. This Chapter also creates the Office of Community & Civic Life and sets out its functions, duties and responsibilities. Nothing in this Chapter limits the right of any person or group to participate directly in the decision-making processes of the City.
3.96.020 Definitions.
- As used in this Chapter, the following terms have the meanings given them in this Section.
- A.Neighborhood: A geographically contiguous self-selected community.
- B.Neighborhood association: An autonomous organization formed by people for the purpose of considering and acting on issues affecting the livability and quality of their neighborhood, formally recognized by the City, and subject to administrative rules.
- C.District coalition: An independent nonprofit corporation directed by a board that is primarily composed of representatives from its member neighborhood associations and that supports participation services for neighborhood associations and everyone within a geographically defined area, and subject to standards.
- D.Business district association: An autonomous nonprofit organization with membership guidelines in its bylaws formed by people in business within a defined geographic boundary for the purpose of promoting the general well-being of their business community, and subject to standards.
- E.City agency: Includes all departments, bureaus, offices, boards, and commissions of the City.
- F.Standards: Administrative rules that govern engagement with neighborhood associations, district coalitions, business district associations.
3.96.030 Neighborhood Associations.
- A. Functions of neighborhood associations. A neighborhood association may engage in, but is not limited to, the following:
- 1. Make recommendation(s) concerning a particular action, policy or other matter to the City on any topic affecting the livability, safety and economic vitality of the neighborhood, including but not limited to land use, housing, community facilities, human resources, social and recreational programs, traffic and transportation, environmental quality and public safety;
- 2. Assist the City in determining priority needs of the neighborhood;
- 3. Review items for inclusion in the City budget and make recommendations relating to budget items for neighborhood improvement;
- 4. Undertake projects and activities deemed appropriate by the neighborhood association; and
- 5. Cooperate with other neighborhood associations and the assigned district coalitions.
- B. Responsibilities of neighborhood associations.
- 1. Neighborhood associations will abide by standards.
- 2. Neighborhood associations will make a reasonable effort to include affected City agencies in planning activities that affect neighborhood livability.
- C. Benefits to neighborhood associations.
- 1. Any neighborhood association meeting the minimum standards established by Section 3.96.030 is entitled to formal recognition and benefits from the City upon request.
- 2. If a neighborhood association fails to meet standards, the Office of Community & Civic Life may suspend partial or all benefits to that neighborhood association and may ultimately revoke formal recognition of that neighborhood association.
3.96.040 District Coalitions.
- A district coalition will:
- A. Provide training and orientation, information and support services to Neighborhood Associations within the areas of neighborhood associations served;
- B. Facilitate communication between people and government;
- C. Promote public participation within the areas of neighborhoods served on issues of livability, safety, and public policy;
- D. Promote, encourage and support the participation of members of diverse communities within the areas of neighborhoods served; and
- E. Administer contracts or memorandums of understanding and operate the district coalition in accordance standards.
3.96.050 Business Districts.
- A. Functions of business districts. A business district may engage in, but is not limited to, the following:
- 1. Make recommendations concerning a particular action, policy, or other matter to the City on any topic affecting the livability, safety, and economic vitality of the business district, including but not limited to land use, housing, community facilities, human resources, social and recreational programs, traffic and transportation, environmental quality, and public safety;
- 2. Assist the City in determining priority needs of the business district;
- 3. Review items for inclusion in the City budget and make recommendations relating to budget items for business district improvement;
- 4. Undertake projects and activities deemed appropriate by the business district; and
- 5. Cooperate with other business districts.
3.96.060 Responsibilities of the Office of Community & Civic Life.
- In order to facilitate participation and improved communication between the public, neighborhood associations, business district associations, district coalitions and the City, the Office of Community & Civic Life will:
- A. Assist neighborhood associations, district coalitions and others in planning and developing programs for community engagement and budget review;
- B. Act as a resource to neighborhood associations, district coalitions, business district associations, community-based organizations, other groups, and the public;
- C. Notify the public of meetings, hearings, elections, and other public participation events of the City’s neighborhood or business district system;
- D. Enter into, monitor, and administer contracts and memorandums of understanding for neighborhood associations through district coalitions;
- E. Promote and facilitate open communication and notification from the City to neighborhood associations, district coalitions, and business district associations and promote and facilitate communication among the City about public involvement best practices and policy;
- F. Support and promote public involvement within the neighborhood association and district coalition framework;
- G. Adopt and revise such standards as are deemed necessary for the implementation of this Chapter and for orderly public involvement in City government through neighborhood associations, district coalitions and business district associations. In so doing, the Office of Community & Civic Life will seek representation from neighborhood associations, district coalitions, business district associations, diverse community interests, city agencies that engage in considerable public involvement activities, and other interested people as necessary;
- H. Pursuant to the standards, formally recognize a neighborhood association and acknowledge a business district association. If a neighborhood association or business district association fails to meet the minimum requirements of Chapter 3.96, the Office of Community & Civic Life may suspend partial or all benefits and may ultimately revoke formal recognition of a neighborhood association or acknowledgement of a business district association;
- I. Promote, encourage and support diverse and multicultural public involvement;
- J. Establish open and fair grievance procedures for neighborhood associations, and district coalitions;
- K. Establish open meetings and public records standards for neighborhood associations and district coalitions; and
- L. Perform other duties as assigned.