Five Cities Named Most Neighborly in Missouri for 2024
New to Missouri Good Neighbor Week this year was recognition for the most neighborly cities in the state.
This honor was based on points earned by participating in the week, city campaigns and proclamations, residents making nominations for most engaged neighbor and reporting acts of neighboring, and statewide or local prizes won.
"The goal was to further engage cities with Missouri Good Neighbor Week and we had over 12 pass proclamations and at least 12 that had organized city-wide efforts for Missouri Good Neighbor Week," said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension and creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. "We ended the week with over 31,000 documented acts of neighboring and five cities worthy of the title 'most neighborly city' in Missouri."
In 2024, five cities were named the most neighborly cities in Missouri: Houston, Excelsior Springs, Sikeston, Springfield, and Ferguson!
This is what our judges had to say about each selection determined by points earned.
Small City, with a population under 5,000 - First place: Houston, Mo.
Runner-Ups: Lexington and Butler, Mo.
“Houston continues to impress with its 3000 roses campaign for National Good Neighbor Day and efforts by the community betterment committee. It is a true town effort.”
Medium City, with population 5,000 – 15,000 - First place: Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Runner-Up: Rogersville, Mo
“Excelsior Springs is fairly new to the neighboring movement but the effort is gaining momentum with special campaigns, a community event, an emphasis on neighbors gathering and a city employee focused on neighbor engagement.”
Large City, with population 15,000 -30,000 - First place: Sikeston, Mo.
Runner-Up: Republic and Raymore, Mo
“Leaders in Sikeston organized a committee, got ideas from adults, listened to residents for ideas and made adjustments and then tapped into five community interest areas that they used as daily themes to draw attention to assets in the community.”
Metro City, with population more than 30,000 - First place: Springfield, Mo.
Runner-ups: Lee's Summit, St. Peters and St. Louis, Mo
“We loved the PSA done by KY3 in support of neighbor week and block parties in Springfield! But beyond that the city had block parties going on, organizations and neighborhood associations did events for neighbors during the week, individuals reported their activity and over 15 individuals were nominated as most engaged neighbors, several of whom took top honors.”
At Large selection: Ferguson, Mo.
“It’s hard to trust who you don’t know. Staff with the city of Ferguson learned about Missouri Good Neighbor Week and decided to fill the week with events, open houses and block parties to build connections and trust. It was a strong first-time effort plus we really love what it says about the community. There was an organized effort here to increase engagement among neighbors citywide.”
Preashion Peoples, Community Development Administrative Assistant for the City of Ferguson, was excited to hear the news.
"Thank you so much for sharing the exciting news that Ferguson has been named one of the most neighborly cities in Missouri during Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2024! This recognition means a lot to our community," said Peoples. "We are truly honored to be acknowledged alongside the other cities, and I know this will inspire even more acts of neighboring in Ferguson."
Burton says he thinks city involvement is key to the continued growth of the week as well as the continued impact of neighboring efforts.
"I know we had some other cities that did projects. Like in Webster Groves the city took nominations and honored their own good neighbors during the week, separate from our official celebration," said Burton. "It is just exciting to see the work expand. When anyone is talking about neighboring we all benefit."
LEARN MORE
Missouri Good Neighbor Week was passed by the legislature and enacted by Governor Mike Parsons in 2022. The idea for the week was created by David Burton, a community development specialist with the University of Missouri Extension. He had done some weeklong celebrations in both Republic and Springfield, Missouri, before working with his State Representative, Bishop Davidson, on a bill.
The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, headquartered in St. Louis, is a co-partner with other Missouri County Extension Councils in supporting the project statewide.
MORE INFORMATION
Are you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special privilides and get invited to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.
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