Neighboring Culture Shines in Manchester, Missouri, Ahead of Missouri Good Neighbor Week

Feed the Need Volunteers: Manchester residents packaged meals during the “Feed the Need” event, showing that service projects strengthen community bonds while helping those in need.

The City of Manchester has steadily cultivated a “neighboring culture” in recent years, and now that spirit is visible across a range of programs leading into Missouri Good Neighbor Week. 

What began in 2021 when Alderwoman Megan Huether first explored the idea of neighboring has grown into a movement that is shaping civic life.

“As a newly elected city council member, I was looking for ways to connect people and strengthen neighborhoods,” Huether recalled. “When I discovered the concept of neighboring, it clicked immediately—this was the path to building belonging in Manchester.”

That spark has grown into something much larger. 

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve launched and expanded several initiatives and events, many of which tie directly to Good Neighbor Week’s mission,” said Lisa Wigger, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Manchester. “With the creation of my position last July, we’ve been able to focus more intentionally on building connections between residents, neighborhoods, and local businesses.”

Neighborhood Leadership Academy

Wigger, and Manchester City Administrator Justin Klocke both graduated from University of Missouri Extension’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) in 2024. This is a 10-week course designed to educate and empower individuals from across Missouri who want to be more involved in addressing local issues and improving their communities.

NLA is delivered live online, with engaging activities, thoughtful group discussions, guest presenters, case studies, videos, and other interactive elements. Regional cohorts serve to deepen the connections and support between class members in close proximity to each other.

Celebrating Roots and Belonging

One of the city’s signature events is the 50-Year Resident Luncheon, an annual fall tradition celebrating neighbors who have called Manchester home for half a century or more. “It’s a simple but meaningful way to recognize the residents who have shaped our community and kept it strong,” Wigger noted.

Other events have aimed at sparking fresh connections. In July, City Hall’s front lawn turned into a mock block party for an event called Building Belonging Together. Residents played a neighborhood event–planning game, drawing cards like “Parent Patrol” or “The Leash Leaders” for who to invite, with curveballs like “bad weather” to solve creatively. 

“We told people this is not your typical City Meeting event—we wanted them to come and experience the fun factor,” Wigger explained. “Best of all, it’s already inspired a few neighbors to host their own gatherings on the Saturday of Good Neighbor Week.”

Huether added, “People don’t just want policies from city hall—they want connection. By showing that city government values neighboring, we’re setting a tone that encourages everyone to get involved.”

Service and Shared Purpose

Neighboring has also come alive through community service. During the regional Feed the Need project, seventy-five Manchester neighbors formed a team to serve together. Wigger emphasized that these experiences “foster a sense of belonging and lessen the distance between us.”

Even infrastructure projects have been turned into celebrations. After completing a major stretch of road construction, the city hosted a ribbon cutting and thanked residents for their patience. “It turned into a celebration, and it was wonderful seeing neighbors come together,” said Wigger.

Connecting Across Cultures

Manchester officials have also been intentional about bridging cultural divides. 

“We’ve been making a point to connect with neighbors from different cultures,” Wigger shared. “The Mayor and I have attended several cultural celebrations, most recently Muslim celebrations and a Hindu celebration. Taking part in these events has helped us build relationships, deepen our understanding, and highlight how celebrating cultural diversity is key to bringing neighbors together.”

A Neighborly Identity

From National Night Out gatherings to the ManchesterCares, a new local nonprofit, supporting neighbors in need, the city has consistently leaned into opportunities to model a new civic identity—one rooted in neighboring. The city even produced a “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” video to highlight Manchester’s growing reputation as a place where residents, businesses, and city leaders all value connection.

Looking ahead, Manchester will again issue a proclamation for Missouri Good Neighbor Week and is encouraging neighborhoods to host community events during the week. 

Wigger summed it up: “We are working to promote this special week and highlight the many things the City of Manchester has done—and continues to do—to foster a true Neighboring Culture.”

For Manchester, neighboring is no longer a slogan. It’s a way of life—visible in meals shared, streets celebrated, cultures honored, and connections deepened.

The city has a list of ways citizens can participate in Missouri Good Neighborhood Week online.

Children’s Bike Parade: Neighborhood children lined up for a bike parade, proving that fun events don’t just entertain—they also spark friendships and bring neighbors together.

Building Belonging Together: Residents gathered at the City Hall for a mock block party outside and information on neighboring and block parties.

Faith and Cultural Connections: City leaders recognized the Muslim business community and residents at the end of Ramadan as part of an ongoing effort to build trust and connection across cultures in Manchester.

Martial Arts Ribbon Cutting: A ribbon-cutting at a local martial arts school highlighted Manchester’s commitment to supporting small businesses while celebrating neighbors who bring energy and diversity to the city.

Paper House Activity: During Civic Saturday, participants created paper houses with notes on ways to connect with neighbors—simple, practical steps to turn ideas into action.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Neighbors gathered to celebrate the completion of a major road improvement project in Manchester. What could have been a source of frustration turned into a joyful event of gratitude and connection.

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.