From Michigan to Missouri: Bringing the Power of Neighboring to Your Community in 2027

 

Every once in a while, something pops up in my Facebook memories that makes me smile.

Today, it was a letter of recommendation from the Michigan Municipal League following a keynote presentation I delivered at its annual convention on Mackinac Island in September 2024.

The letter reminded me of a wonderful experience sharing the importance of neighboring with municipal leaders who were interested in building stronger, more connected communities.

The event planner wrote that my presentation exceeded expectations and was engaging, interactive, and practical. She also shared this feedback from one of the attendees: "The session on 'Neighboring' was insightful. He provided examples of how municipalities can focus on customer service. Something that resonated with me was how we can treat constituents like our next-door neighbors."

I especially appreciated that comment because it captures something I believe deeply: Neighboring is not just about the people who live next door. The principles of neighboring can transform how we lead, serve, and build community.

And while that letter made me smile, it also reminded me of something else.

I am now booking keynote presentations, workshops, and other speaking engagements for 2027!

Four Topics That Can Help Strengthen Your Community

Through my work with University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Good Neighbor Week, and the Neighboring 101 educational series, I have had the opportunity to study, teach, and write about the importance of social connection, belonging, and community engagement.

My presentations combine research, real-world examples, humor, and practical ideas that participants can put to work immediately. Here are four topics I am especially excited to share in 2027.

Discovering and Creating Third Spaces

Where do people in your community naturally gather? Third spaces are the places outside our homes and workplaces where friendships develop, conversations happen, and a sense of belonging takes root.

This presentation explores why coffee shops, parks, libraries, diners, churches, and even neighborhood driveways are essential to healthy communities. More importantly, we discuss how communities can intentionally create and support these gathering places.

The Five Habits of Neighboring

Building stronger neighborhoods does not require expensive programs or elaborate events. It begins with five simple habits that anyone can practice.

This presentation introduces my practical framework for becoming a more engaged neighbor: Make Room, Learn Names, Use Names, Create Connections, and Join In. These habits offer a roadmap for transforming strangers into acquaintances, acquaintances into friends, and neighborhoods into communities where people belong.

From Couch to Connection

Americans are experiencing a crisis of loneliness and social disconnection. We spend more time indoors, more time looking at screens, and less time interacting with the people around us. But what can we actually do about it?

This presentation examines the barriers keeping us disconnected and offers practical strategies for overcoming isolation, developing meaningful relationships, and rebuilding the social capital that makes communities stronger. 

The goal is simple: help people move from passive isolation to active connection.

Dealing with Difficult Neighbors

Let's face it. Not every neighbor is easy to get along with! Noise complaints, property disputes, personality conflicts, and different expectations can create tension between people who live close together.

This presentation offers practical approaches for communicating effectively, establishing boundaries, reducing conflict, and finding common ground. Because being a good neighbor does not mean everyone will become your best friend. It means learning how to live respectfully and constructively with the people around you.

Why These Conversations Matter

My research and experience have convinced me that the strength of a community is determined by more than its infrastructure, economic development, or population growth. It is also determined by the quality of relationships between the people who live there.

When neighbors know and trust one another, communities become more welcoming, resilient, and capable of addressing shared challenges.

That is why I believe these conversations belong at municipal conferences, community leadership events, Extension programs, neighborhood association gatherings, nonprofit conferences, and other places where people are working to improve their communities.

And my goal is never simply to deliver an interesting presentation. I want participants to leave with ideas they can actually use.

Let's Bring the Conversation to Your Community in 2027

The Michigan Municipal League's letter was a wonderful reminder of why I enjoy this work.

There is something rewarding about sharing ideas with people who care about their communities and watching them discover new possibilities for bringing people together.

If you are planning a conference, leadership retreat, professional development event, or community gathering in 2027, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how one of these presentations might fit your needs.

Presentations can be adapted for different audiences and formats, from keynote addresses to interactive workshops.

After all, building stronger communities is not just about what happens at city hall or in a conference room. It is about what happens when people return home and begin putting those ideas into practice.

If your organization is looking for a speaker who combines research, practical tools, and a passion for stronger communities, let's visit about your 2027 event.

Because every community can become more connected, and every one of us has a role to play in making that happen.

David Burton is a Community Development Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, author of The Neighboring Playbook: Becoming America's Most Neighborly State, and founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week. He teaches and writes about neighboring, social capital, community leadership, and belonging. To inquire about a 2027 presentation, contact David through University of Missouri Extensionn by email at burtond@missouri.edu or visit EngagedNeighbor.com.