The focus of citizen involvement in Dayton has been interaction between City government and Priority Boards in key funding, service and neighborhood issues. This has made Dayton government more responsive and geared service delivery to citizen priorities. To address today's problems and face the challenges of the future, citizens must participate directly in the solution of ALL community problems. This will include building the economic base, restoring and maintaining neighborhood vitality and fostering the quality of life for all citizens. More and more, it will require community involvement in human and social service arenas to address issues of self-sufficiency, families and children.
Community Decisions - Dayton citizens should be involved in community decisions which affect their lives and neighborhoods. Dayton residents should participate in political and community decision-making processes to ensure some control and ownership of decisions and actions rendered.
Quality Neighborhood Life - Citizens primarily determine the quality of neighborhood life and are the major factor in achieving neighborhood vitality. They have the greatest stake in neighborhoods and can best ensure the vitality of the area in which they live. Citizens are the senior partner in the neighborhood vitality effort, working along with government and other community institutions. Government actions should support the efforts initiated by neighborhood residents and encourage cooperation of other community institutions with neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Leadership and Empowerment - Direct work and leadership by citizens provides the best approach to achieving community goals and addressing community problems. Government actions should be tailored to empower and encourage neighborhoods to take control of their own destinies.
Communication Networks - Communication among neighborhoods, City government and other community institutions revolves around Priority Boards. Priority Boards are uniquely situated to provide a communications infrastructure to their communities and ensure that information is communicated quickly and effectively.