Missouri Good Neighbor Week has always been about one thing: reminding us that the people who live closest to us matter most. But this year, we are making an important shift. Our new theme says it clearly:  “A Year of Neighboring Activity, A Week to Celebrate It.” At first glance, that may sound like a simple slogan. In reality, it represents something much bigger. It marks the evolution of Missouri Good Neighbor Week from a single annual event into a year-round movement. For years, we encouraged Missourians to do something intentional during the week of September 28 through October 4. Host a gathering. Check on a neighbor. Deliver cookies. Write a thank-you note. Organize a block cleanup. And thousands did. But neighboring was never meant to be seasonal. It was never meant to be squeezed into one week. It is something that happens on ordinary Tuesdays in February, on hot evenings in July, on snowy mornings in January. It happens when someone notices a porch light left on. W...

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, these six Missouri cities are proving that neighborliness isn’t a thing of the past—it’s alive, thriving, and transforming communities across the state. Using a comprehensive “Participation Index” that considered everything from city size and acts of neighboring to proclamations, business engagement, and community campaigns, the 2025 Top Six Most Neighborly Cities have been announced. Here’s a deeper look into the cities that are setting the standard for community spirit in Missouri this year: 1. Springfield (Greene County): The Neighboring Capital of Missouri Once again, Springfield leads the way in statewide neighborliness. This vibrant city topped the charts in nearly every category: number of acts of neighboring, engaged neighbor nominations, pledge participation, and city-wide campaigns. What sets Springfield apart is its community-wide embrace of the neighboring movement. Volunteer-led block parties were held across multiple ...

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 procla...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Residents of Missouri are encouraged to participate in appropriate events and activities to help establish connections with their neighbors during the fourth annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 28 to Oct 4. The official website for the week can be found at http://missourigoodneighborweek.com . The celebration is created, organized and supported by two organizations: University of Missouri Extension and The Hopeful Neighborhood Project. Missouri Good Neighbor Week was established by legislative action in 2022 and signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Parsons on July 1. This weeklong effort was recognized nationally in May of 2023 at the annual Neighborhoods USA conference as the “Neighborhood Program of the Year for the United States.” In 2024, over 31,000 acts of neighboring were reported across Missouri, 20 individuals were recognized as “Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbor” and five cities earned the title of Missouri’s Most Neighborly City: Houst...

  Photo above: From a block party in Ferguson, Missouri. 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,...