City leaders continue to demonstrate their commitment to quality of life issues by investing resources in programs designed to improve neighborhoods through resident-driven projects focused on beautification, identity and public safety. One of these is Chandler's Neighborhood Enhancement Assistance Program, which helps to fund small projects initiated by residents in traditional neighborhoods – those not governed by a Home Owners Association (HOA) – such as repairs to deteriorated neighborhood perimeter walls, fences, sidewalks and common area landscaping.
“Chandler likes to take a holistic approach to neighborhoods by empowering residents to work together to identify their area’s unique needs and propose solutions to problems,” said Leah Powell, Chandler’s Neighborhood Resources Director. “We’ve seen aging neighborhoods make significant improvements by engaging with each other and partnering with our department to make changes that improve their quality of life.”
A partnership with the city starts with community leaders registering their neighborhoods with the city. Powell said there are currently 333 neighborhoods, both traditional and HOA, that are registered with her department. Through the Neighborhood Enhancement Assistance Program registered traditional neighborhoods can apply for up to $12,000 to be used on improvement, maintenance and repair projects within the neighborhood and viewable by the public.
“If residents are motivated to shore up their neighborhood, we want to support their initiative and help them cultivate a culture of community pride and self-sufficiency,” Powell said. “It’s a cost-effective way for the City of Chandler to reinvest in neighborhoods and help ensure they are not declining. These projects demonstrate a public good by beautifying neighborhoods, which positively impacts property values throughout the city.”
One of the areas that has benefited greatly from the Neighborhood Enhancement Assistance Program in the past and now serves as an example to others is the historic South Side Village neighborhood. Bounded by Frye Road, Pecos Road, Arizona Avenue and Delaware Street, it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chandler and the first to receive the Historic Neighborhood designation. “The residents in that area have a lot of pride in their neighborhood and have built a community culture over many, many years,” Powell said. “There's a lot of positive momentum in that area right now, and it’s driven by resident engagement. They organize reunions and barbeques around neighborhood clean-up events and they come to the city for support. We have an established, ongoing relationship with them, and we're here to add our resources to their efforts.”
Chandler’s budget allocates $75,000 for Neighborhood Enhancement Assistance projects each year, which is typically awarded to between 20 and 25 project applications. Chandler offers a similar program called the HOA Matching Assistance Program which will match up to $12,000 in funding to registered HOA neighborhoods for improvement projects addressing deteriorated landscaping, entryway signs and fountains, fencing, walkways and perimeter walls. Traditional and HOA neighborhoods participating in either of these programs can apply for project funding once every three years.
The application period is currently open through May 15, 2024, however, Powell notes that fund allocations are ongoing during this period as applications are reviewed on a first-come, first served basis. The city recommends that neighborhood organizers and HOA boards and their management companies plan their projects and submit applications, as soon as possible, to help ensure that funds will be available this fiscal year.
Once applications are submitted, city staff will review the forms for completeness, basic eligibility and rate the proposal based on several factors: the amount of community involvement in the project, the impact on neighborhood appearance, vitality and long-term sustainability, and the impact on the general public from the enhanced visual appearance of the neighborhood. Neighborhood Program staff may request a site visit prior to forwarding their recommendation to the Neighborhood Resources Director for final action. The application response time will typically take up to 15 business days. Complete program details and a link to the application is online at Neighborhood Assistance.
While more than 330 neighborhoods are already registered with the city, there are many more that can benefit from these programs and by the increased neighbor-to-neighbor interactions that grow out of these enhancement projects and special events. If residents want to register their neighborhood, or if they are not sure if it is already registered with the city, they can contact Neighborhood Programs staff at 480-782-4363. If the neighborhood is already registered, city staff will help put residents in touch with fellow neighbors who want to make a positive impact on their community.
For Our City Day brings volunteers, residents together to build community and instill neighborhood pride
Volunteer at the annual For Our City Day on Saturday, Oct. 21, and you will experience first-hand the positive impact a dedicated group of residents can have on an aging neighborhood. Hundreds of volunteers – individuals, families, and groups of any size – will come together to spend part of their Saturday in service on projects that will help to revitalize an entire neighborhood and instill community pride. Projects include painting homes, spreading gravel, basic front yard maintenance, cleaning alleys and more. For event details and to sign up as a volunteer or sponsor, visit For Our City Day.
This article also was featured in the Sept. 24, 2023 edition of the SanTan Sun News.