Neighborhood Excellence Awards

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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. event through:

  • Vendor scheduling and payment assistance
  • HOA management company coordination
  • City Councilmember 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 2026 G.A.I.N. event lottery
  • Up to $1000 credit toward a pre-approved vendor for your G.A.I.N. event

The 2025 People’s Choice Award Recipient will receive:

  • First place pick in the 2026 G.A.I.N. event lottery
  • Up to $1000 credit toward a pre-approved vendor for your G.A.I.N. event

2025 Nominations Open

Nominate Today

Nomination Period: Monday, July 27 - Sunday, Aug. 9

The nomination period will be open from Monday, July 27 through Sunday, Aug. 9. To nominate your neighborhood, the MNEA nomination application must be completed and submitted no later than Sunday, August 9, 2026.
 
Please be aware the following must be included with your entry:
  • Neighborhood name, neighborhood representative, email address, phone number and address
  • Neighborhood web page or social media accounts, if applicable
  • Event address
This additional information is also required for entry and will be made available to the public if your neighborhood is nominated:
  • Full name of the neighborhood and/or Neighborhood Watch group
  • Brief description of your neighborhood's participation in the 2025 G.A.I.N. event (what made your event special and why you should be nominated)
  • Include two photos (.jpg format) taken during your 2025 G.A.I.N. Event

All neighborhood entrants will be evaluated by Neighborhood Programs staff and Mayor Kevin Hartke. Winners will be announced at the 2026 G.A.I.N. Kick-Off Event on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 9:30-11 a.m. in the Community Room at 250 E. Chicago St.

Online voting for People's Choice Awards will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and will close on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

  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 18, 2025..
  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 2026 G.A.I.N. event.

2024 Winners

Mayor's Choice Award Winner: Carino Estates
People's Choice Award Winner: Caprianna