The Community Building and Engagement team builds relationships and bridges communities to help improve the quality of life for all Lincoln residents. This approach reinforces the Comprehensive Community Development framework that looks to partner with neighbors to build upon the unique strengths already present in a neighborhood.
Comprehensive Community Development
"Comprehensive Community Development (CCD) is a place-based and intentional approach aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities. CCD works at the intersection of people, places, and systems. By creating a shared vision, unified strategy, and a collaborative structure to attract and deploy resources, CCD creates vibrant local communities that offer people equitable opportunities to thrive. It is also built on a foundation of inclusive resident engagement, which is central to creating and sustaining positive change." | NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks Lincoln is committed to Comprehensive Community Development framework that prioritizes seven key principles.
Building Resident Leadership
Resident-led community development strengthens neighborhoods by working with the existing strengths of a community to lead sustainable and mutually beneficial community change. NeighborWorks Lincoln recognizes the power of resident leadership and works to foster relationships with residents to support:
- Neighborhood/community visioning and planning
- Place-based initiatives
- Resident engagement opportunities
Resident Engagement Opportunities
- NeighborWorks Lincoln Committees: The following committees have availability for additional members:
- Community Building and Engagement Committee
- Finance Committee
- Neighborhood Advisory Committees: NeighborWorks Lincoln is working on some neighborhood-specific initiatives that will include resident advisory committees. Check out the neighborhood map here.
- Azalealand
- Capitol View
- Malone/Hawley
- Promenade at Pioneers
- Mayor's Neighborhood Roundtable: Established in 1984, the Mayor's Neighborhood Roundtable provides a forum for networking with neighborhoods, City government, and other concerned organizations through:
- Direct, formal, and informal discussions between the Mayor, City staff, and neighborhood leaders.
- Exchange of ideas concerning city-wide issues and development processes.
- Shared information and support among the neighborhood associations themselves.
- Community/Neighborhood Forums: The NeighborWorks Lincoln team partners with residents and institutions to offer opportunities to engage a variety of stakeholders regarding a particular issue or topic. These can include facilitated conversations, panel discussions, small group engagement, and other strategies to bring residents and stakeholders together.
- Prairie Roots Community Land Trust Board of Directors: The CLT Board oversees the management of the trust, its development strategy, and the real estate portfolio comprising Lincoln’s permanently affordable housing inventory.
- Strong Neighborhood Grants: The NeighborWorks Lincoln Community Building and Engagement team is part of the Lincoln Community Builder Coalition, which is funding $25,000 to local groups and individuals to build up their neighborhoods. This includes, but is not limited to, events that bring neighbors together and strengthen relationships; projects that enhance safety, beauty, or social connections in a neighborhood; or projects that build resident leadership and roles. Projects can be small or large, individual or partnership-oriented. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the maximum is $1,000 for each project. The Community Builder Coalition meets on the fourth Monday of each month to review applications.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Help with a neighborhood clean-up, assist at a community event, participate in canvassing efforts, and more. Complete a volunteer inquiry form to get involved today!
If you are interested in connecting please contact one of NWL's Community Builders:
