INFORMED & ENGAGED
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Neighbor
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ities need healthy neighborhoods to survive. Neighborhoods are where people feel the strongest sense of community, creating an environment that improves quality of life and supports building friendships, tackling problems, and finding solutions to challenges. Cedar Rapids is fortunate to have many strong neighborhoods with distinct personalities and challenges. We all play a role in making our neighborhoods, and Cedar Rapids, a great place to live.
Neighborhood Associations Neighborhood Associations strengthen the relationships of people living in a community together, serving as unique partners with City staff. These groups often take the lead on their own community-scaled projects, such as coffee events with neighbors, back-toschool concerts, park improvements, and historic neighborhood tours. Did you know that Cedar Rapids neighborhood associations that register through the City are eligible for funding to support community activities? To find out if you live in a neighborhood with an association, or to start a new one, email CommunityDevelopment@cedar-rapids.org. 10
Vibrant Neighborhoods The City believes every resident is entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their home and encourages all residents to do their part in supporting vibrant and attractive neighborhoods, as well as forming relationships with their neighbors. Neighbors who know one another and talk with each other create a helpful, safer, and caring community. Some tips on being a good neighbor:
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Be Active in Your Neighborhood
A sense of community begins with communication. Find out your neighbors’ names and basic contact information. Not only is this the friendly thing to do, but it can come in handy during tough times, such as disasters like the 2020 Derecho, needing a last-minute babysitter or petsitter, or asking for help if you’re sick or injured.
Go beyond just knowing your neighbors’ names. Try hosting a block party, a book club, or a cleanup day. Building community can alleviate tension and solve problems; but if you have a concern with something in your neighborhood, you can let the City know at CityofCR.com/MyCR or through the City’s app, Mobile CR. You can also use Mobile CR to check out City news and events, find your voting district, see your garbage collection day, and locate your nearest recreational amenities and library branch.
OUR CR
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NOVEMBER 2022
