When Starting a Neighborhood Initiative, Do Not Assume

 


Last summer (2024), I experienced a public setback in the city of Republic. The city council decided not to renew a consulting contract with the University of Missouri Extension after one year despite some successes.

This contract allowed me to work with a staff committee on a community engagement project focused on neighboring. One idea I was encouraged was modeled after something with public meetings in Peoria, Arizona.

I also thought this would be the start of a process toward creating neighborhood associations. If you are confused about that that is, I explain it in this blog.

I wanted to help my local community through this effort. 

But in my excitement, I didn’t ask enough questions. 

After a few planning meetings, I thought I understood the city staff’s goals for the project. Unfortunately, I did not, and neither did the staff committee or the city council.

As a result, we missed a golden opportunity to do something positive in a growing town.

However, neighboring is more than just a contract to me. That’s why I’m excited to see other individuals stepping up to lead various neighboring initiatives in Republic during 2025.

But the lesson learned from this failure is do not assume.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via emal at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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