Missouri’s Most Neighborly Cities: A Friendly Competition with a Big Impact


New to Missouri Good Neighbor Week in 2024 was recognition for the most neighborly cities in the state. The program continues in 2025 with even more opportunities for communities to showcase their commitment to kindness, connection, and civic pride.

Unlike typical competitions, this honor isn’t about trophies or titles—it’s about encouraging cities and their residents to weave neighboring into everyday life. Cities earn points through a variety of activities that highlight how neighbors can come together for the good of their community.

How Cities Earn Points

The competition is designed to be flexible so communities of all sizes can participate. Points are awarded for a wide range of activities, including:

  • Citywide Campaigns: Cities that organize intentional outreach or awareness efforts during Missouri Good Neighbor Week earn points for mobilizing residents and celebrating community spirit.

  • Proclamations from City Councils: When a mayor or council issues an official proclamation recognizing Missouri Good Neighbor Week, the city earns credit for elevating the importance of neighboring at the civic level.

  • Nominations for Most Engaged Neighbor: Every nomination submitted by residents helps the city collect points while honoring individuals who are setting the standard for neighboring.

  • Acts of Neighboring Reported: Each reported act of kindness during the week contributes to the city’s total score, showing the breadth of engagement by everyday residents.

  • Statewide or Local Prizes Won: Cities earn bonus points when their residents win prizes for their submissions, demonstrating excellence in neighboring.

  • NEW for 2025 – Bonus Points for Year-Round Efforts: Cities now receive additional recognition for events and activities outside of Missouri Good Neighbor Week that promote engaged neighboring, such as block parties, neighborhood clean-ups, or seasonal outreach efforts.

Creative Ideas to Boost City Scores

Cities looking to move up the neighborly leaderboard can think creatively about ways to earn points:

  • Launch a “Neighbor Challenge” where residents are encouraged to complete small acts of kindness and log them online.

  • Organize a Service Day with volunteers tackling projects like yard work for seniors, park clean-ups, or food drives.

  • Hold a Citywide Block Party Night where neighborhoods host gatherings on the same evening to build connection across the community.

  • Host Neighbor Awards during a city council meeting or community event to spotlight residents nominated as “Most Engaged Neighbors.”

  • Celebrate with Storytelling by encouraging residents to share their good neighbor stories on social media or at public events.

  • Partner with Schools, Churches, and Civic Groups to multiply impact and increase participation in reporting acts of neighboring.

  • Create Seasonal Neighbor Events—like a spring planting day, summer ice cream social, or winter coat drive—that can count toward the new bonus points.

Why It Matters

The competition is lighthearted, but the impact is lasting. By rallying together, cities build stronger connections, reduce loneliness, and foster civic pride. When neighbors know and support each other, entire communities thrive.

Missouri Good Neighbor Week is not just about seven days in the fall—it’s about creating a culture of connection year-round. And for cities across the state, the friendly competition is a fun way to keep kindness at the center of community life.

In 2024, five Missouri cities received this special honor.


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 email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.

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