Neighborhood groups play a vital role in the functioning of the Priority Board system by communicating directly with the Boards and taking direct action in smaller, clearly defined neighborhoods. The City encourages involvement at every level in the citizen participation process with as much representation of the views and opinions of the community at large as possible. The neighborhood groups provide a vast personal and close knowledge of the community. Priority Board will work with their neighborhood groups to define the roles of each. Among the roles performed by neighborhood groups are:

 1) Act as the official voice of the neighborhood to the Priority Boards

 2) Identify and prioritize needs, goals, and objectives through the Need Statement Process that represent what the community believes to be important in the preservation of high quality neighborhoods and present those priorities to the Priority Board for action; Work with the Priority Board to take action on top priorities

 3) Function as a communication tool to all residents

 4) Identify key areas and assess housing needs with Neighborhood Development Corporation's and use that partnership to access funding available

 5) Address public safety issues by assisting in the implementation and networking of neighborhood watch groups

 6) Sponsor events and activities to put a positive focus on the community and show the advantages of City living

 7) Sponsor social activities that build a sense of community and reach out to all residents

 8) Develop close working relationships with adjacent business districts to improve the quality of neighborhood life.