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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9862 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9862 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council March 22, 2016 h�T�i7 Page 1 of 2 �i �i7 Y *a SUBJECT: NEIGHBORHOOD AND ALLIANCE REGISTRATION POLICIES #qrF rn f e'?5 The City of Fort Worth has a registration process for neighborhoods and other community groups managed through the Community Engagement Office. This registration is voluntary and is governed by the attached document. We offer the registration process to those who wish to receive zoning notifications from the city and up-to-date information about free training, resources etc. from the Community Engagement Office. Registered groups also receive the Community Engagement Weekly Bulletin. The city does not control the individual organizations in our community — specifically neighborhood associations and alliances. Participation in an alliance and/or neighborhood association is voluntary by all involved. Alliances are made up of associations who reside within their stated boundaries (per their bylaws) but those associations are not required to join. However, the City does provide training and assistance to neighborhoods that are working to form an association. The city has set standards if an organization wants to register with the city. We have approximately 300 that are currently registered with us; but we believe there is an additional 20- 25 percent that are not. In order to remain registered with us, groups must share updated officer contact information once a year, hold at least one meeting per year and be inclusive of all residents within their stated boundaries. There is nothing in our current polices that states groups must attend any type of training prior to registration. The only consequence for failing to comply with the registration guidelines is that the association would be removed from the registry. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michelle Gutt, Director of Communication and Public Engagement, at 817-392-6248. David Cooke City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS FORT WORTH® City of Fort Worth Registration Policies for Community Organizations The City of Fort Worth has policies for community organizations that desire to be registered with the City. These policies set forth minimum requirements to maintain registered status, thereby providing more effective communication between neighborhoods and the City and ensuring an open, inclusive and democratic process. By institution of these policies the City encourages residents to work within existing registered associations and use the democratic process to do so to achieve neighborhood and community revitalization goals. The City of Fort Worth Community Engagement Office assists residents as they organize associations, provides support to existing associations,facilitates communication between residents and City departments, provides useful information to neighborhoods, and develops educational opportunities for associations to continue to grow and be successful. Questions concerning these policies should be directed to the Community Engagement Office. Benefits of Registration Inclusion in the Community Engagement Database—The Community Engagement Database provides contact information pertaining to each organization registered with the City. The database is widely used by all City departments for public outreach. It is the key communication tool to keep organizations informed. Inclusion in the weekly distribution of the Community Engagement Weekly Bulletin and other special email notifications sent by the city-These tools help to keep residents informed on issues that could impact their neighborhood. Inclusion in the Neighborhood Organization Map—This map documents the official boundaries for each neighborhood and is used by the City for many purposes. Registration in the Early Courtesy Notification System—The Early Courtesy Notification System provides early notification of Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission and Zoning Commission cases that fall within a Registered Association's boundaries or a % mile of the association's boundaries. The notification is in addition to City notification of adjoining property owners within 300 feet. Voluntary and Mandatory Neighborhood Associations, Neighborhood Alliances, Neighborhood Redevelopment Organizations and Business Associations are eligible for this benefit. Support and Training—The Community Engagement Office provides free training opportunities for 1 Revised March 2016