Neighborhood Excellence Awards

Mayor Kevin Hartke's Neighborhood Excellence Awards

Celebrating Community Spirit & Police Partnership

The Neighborhood Excellence Awards recognize neighborhoods that participate in the annual Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N.) events, as well as the neighborhood leaders who continuously work to improve their community, inspiring others to be more actively involved in their neighborhood.

 

G.A.I.N. Program Organization

The annual G.A.I.N. event is organized by the Chandler Police Department’s dedicated Crime Prevention Unit, who work year-round to:

  • Coordinate with neighborhood watch groups
  • Maintain current contact information for all participants
  • Provide SWAT team demonstrations and police presence
  • Facilitate neighborhood/police partnerships

Active participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program, with current contact information provided to the Crime Prevention Unit, is required for award eligibility. Please contact Chandler Police Department for more information.

Neighborhood Programs Recognition

The Neighborhood Programs team provides support to recognize and enhance neighborhoods' G.A.I.N. events through:

  • Vendor scheduling and payment assistance
  • HOA management company coordination
  • City Council Member event attendance opportunities (between 4 – 6 p.m. on G.A.I.N. event night)

Neighborhoods must be registered with Neighborhood Programs for award eligibility. Please contact Neighborhood Programs for more information. 

Mayor’s Neighborhood Excellence Awards Process

  1. Police Organization: Chandler Police Department Crime Prevention Unit coordinates the annual G.A.I.N. events with neighborhood watch groups.
  2. Community Participation: Neighborhoods host G.A.I.N. events with police support, SWAT demonstrations, and other community activities.
  3. Award Nominations: Participating neighborhoods submit applications showcasing their community engagement and event success.
  4. Recognition & Support: Neighborhood Programs staff and Mayor evaluate entries, provide awards, and support future initiatives. 

Prizes

The 2025 Mayor’s Choice Award Recipient Will Receive:

  • Second place pick in the 2025 G.A.I.N. event lottery
  • Up to $1000 credit toward a pre-approved vendor for your G.A.I.N. event
  • Mayor Hartke to visit your G.A.I.N. event between 4-6 p.m.

The 2025 People’s Choice Award Recipient Will Receive:

  • First place pick in the 2025 G.A.I.N. event lottery
  • Up to $1000 credit toward a pre-approved vendor for your G.A.I.N. event
  • Mayor Hartke to visit your G.A.I.N. event between 4-6 p.m.

2024 Winners

Mayor’s Choice Award Winner: Terraces at Tiburon
People’s Choice Award Winner: Sun Groves 

 

Online voting will begin on Wednesday, August 13, and will close on Sunday, August 24.

2025 Neighborhood Excellence Awards

Please select only one neighborhood.

Choices
Nominees

Last October, Capriana had our first neighborhood event. It was a GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) event in coordination with the City of Chandler. Residents enjoyed lawn games, crafts for the children, local business presentations, a fun food truck, a raffle for some fun prizes, visits by Mayor Hartke along with Chandler City Council members and reps from various departments, and a special visit from the Chandler SWAT Team.

Neighbors enjoyed visiting with each other, visiting the business tents, eating some sweet or spicy treats, and experiencing all that the Chandler SWAT Team did. People were lined up to get the opportunity to get in the of the SWAT truck and try out some of the equipment. We all look forward to this year's upcoming GAIN event in October 2025.

Capriana with the Mayor
Capriana Neighborhood

We utilized all of the GAIN resources, mayor, police you know this! What we also did was coordinate with a non-profit Phoenix Tool Bank to bring in chairs, Corn Hole, and lawn games galore! Myself and Seth coordinated a local food truck and HOA-funded free food for the neighborhood. We had a turnout of 100 people or so. We did a corn hole tournament. We brought in a videographer and would love to get you the video so you can see for yourself! Send me an email and I can reply back! 

Carino Estates Bounce House
Carino Estates with City Staff

In 2024, our neighborhood proudly participated in Chandler's GAIN event for the very first time- and what a success it was. With no idea what to expect, I was amazed by the incredible turnout and the positive energy that filled our small community of 120 condos. Nearly 50 residents came together to connect, share laughs, and build lasting relationships. We enjoyed classic cookout fare, meaningful conversations with Chandler's patrol and bicycle officers, and even had cadets engaging with neighbors young and old. Although we were one of the last neighborhoods to select police resources during the kickoff lottery, we were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic presence and genuine support from Chandler's finest. What made our event truly special was the sense of unity it inspired- neighbors who had never met before became fast friends, and the connection between our community and local law enforcement grew stronger with every conversation.

The success of this first event has ignited a lasting spark- I am already planning for 2025 with even bigger hopes. I believe our neighborhood deserves this nomination because we demonstrated how a first-time, grassroots effort can bring people together, foster a true sense of belonging, and lay the foundation for a safer, more connected community. 

College Park
College Park Flyer

Cooper Commons hosted a free GAIN event for residents in 2024 that brought families and neighbors together for an evening of fun and community connection. The event featured complimentary food, bounce houses, and a movie in the park, all designed to promote a sense of family and belonging. We were also proud to welcome local vendors who set up informational booths, along with engaging educational opportunities provided by the City of Chandler.

Highlights included hands-on experiences with the Forensics Van and SWAT vehicle, offering residents, especially children, a closer look at the vital work of our emergency services teams. We are incredibly grateful to the city employees and first responders who took the time to attend and share their knowledge. Their presence added tremendous value to the event, and we look forward to continuing and expanding this community tradition in the coming year. 

Cooper Commons Movie in the Park
Cooper Commons with CPD

Wonderful community event with live music and community resources such as the police K9 unit and Graffiti Unit stopped and offered valuable information. The event allowed the community and surrounding communities to gather and learn more about one another and the city. 

Crystal Bay at Raintree Ranch

 

Dobson Place enjoyed an enthusiastic turnout of around 100 people at our G.A.I.N. event in 2024. We are proud to welcome around 15 Police officers rotating through the afternoon, and of course, the Fire Truck was a big hit with the kids! Everyone was fed well with Chick-fil-a and kept hydrated with ice-cold water provided by the HOA. This is one of our yearly events to bring the community together, and we hope to see the mayor again this year!
 

Dobson Place Bounce House
Dobson Place with CFD

In 2024, the Fox Crossing HOA put on an incredible GAIN event that took place in our beautiful Greenbelt. The event turned out to be a memorable celebration of community, connection, and safety in conjunction with the Chandler Police Department. The event was a hit with neighbors of all ages! 

We were thrilled to have five exciting bouncy houses, colorful and creative face painting, a delicious food truck serving dinner to the community, a refreshing lemonade stand, and free paleta bars for everyone. The Chandler Police Department was in attendance, including some of the top brass, who took time to engage with residents, answer questions, and show their support for our community. Their presence was a great reminder of the strong partnership between Fox Crossing and CPD. This day truly captured the spirit of GAIN, bringing neighbors together and strengthening the bonds that make our neighborhood such a special place to live. We're looking forward to making this years event even better! 

Fox Crossing Bounce House
Fox Crossing Bounce House

2024 was our neighborhood's first year participating in G.A.I.N. and we had a blast! During the event, a friendly Chili Cook-Off fed everyone in attendance, and the kiddos showed off their skills and creativity with a pumpkin carving contest. The Police K-9 and Forensics Unit was a
big hit, and we learned so much! The kids were delighted with all of the Chandler Police Staff that were able to stop in and visit. Checking out the police vehicles up close was a fun bonus.

Overall, it was a great night out to get to know all of our neighbors and we are excited to continue this new tradition!

Pinelake Estates Ramada
Pinelake Estates CPD

Finalist Selection Process

All neighborhood entrants will be evaluated by Neighborhood Programs staff and Mayor Kevin Hartke. Winners will be announced at the 2025 G.A.I.N. Kick-Off Event on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 9-11 a.m. in the community room at 250 E. Chicago St.

Voting Process

Online voting will begin on Wednesday, August 13, and will close on Sunday, August 24.

Additional Rules

  1. To be nominated, you must be active in Neighborhood Watch, and your contact information must be current with the Crime Prevention Unit. You also must have participated in the G.A.I.N. event on October 19, 2024.
  2. Neighborhood Excellence Award winners will not be eligible to win two consecutive years in a row.
  3. A neighborhood representative will be responsible for working with Neighborhood Programs staff to choose a vendor for the neighborhood’s 2025 G.A.I.N. event.