Neighborhood Organizing

Neighborhood Associations

Be sure that your neighborhood group is registered and up to date with the Office of Neighborhood Vitality (ONV). Contact information must be updated once a year using the same registration form. Valid registration with the ONV is required for Block Party Permit fees to be waived. Check here to see if your group is registered. 

Neighborhood Crime Watch groups, Homeowners' Associations (HOAs), Neighborhood groups or Associations, are all eligible to use the Block Party Trailer, have block party fees waived and receive the latest Neighborhood events by registering with the Office of Neighborhood Vitality.

Other monetary benefits include the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant funding for up to $100,000 for eligible projects with up to 25% matching. Voluntary groups qualify for eligible projects up to $10,000 with no match required. Voluntary groups also qualify for the Capacity Building Grant for up to $500 to host events that strengthen connections among neighbors. 

Register or Update Registration for Neighborhood Associations or Groups

Details about Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant

Capacity Building Grant Application Opens in new window

What is a neighborhood association?

A neighborhood association is a geographically based organization of people who live in a neighborhood and organize around common concerns of the members. There are two types of associations — mandatory and voluntary.

  • Mandatory associations: In Garland, mandatory associations are usually formed as a requirement for a planned development or may be established by the builder as an attraction to the development. The dues for the association are set by the developer at the time that papers are filed with the Planning Department.
  • Voluntary associations: These groups are usually the result of individuals that organize to ensure continued neighborhood vitality. Dues are determined by a consensus from the group. While dues are not required in a voluntary association, some nominal contribution should be required for voting members as a show of commitment to the success of the association. Funds may be used for postage, copies, refreshments, projects, and social events for your association.

Why start a neighborhood association

There are many reasons why neighborhoods organize. Some of the most common reasons include:
  • To Address a Particular Concern: Many neighborhoods become organized when a particular concern emerges in their area. Residents of the neighborhood get together to discuss problems, come up with solutions, and work together to resolve issues. Organizing an association provides a way for neighbors to manage day-to-day issues.
  • To Empower Residents: Some organizers believe the main reason to organize is for power. Power is the ability to act and with it comes a responsibility to the community. When neighborhoods organize, they acquire power by coming together to accomplish something.
  • To Build Community: Organizing to build community means improving your neighborhood’s ability to act and capitalize on the diverse skills of its residents in developing relationships with businesses, non-profit organizations, and government. Whether it is having regularly scheduled association meetings, seasonal block parties, or simply a neighbor running an errand for you, these activities enhance the sense of community.

Advantages of Organized Neighborhoods

Some of the advantages neighborhood associations offer are:
  • Supplying a channel to meet neighborhood goals
  • A collective voice is a stronger voice
  • Providing an effective communication link with the City
  • Organizing to prevent neighborhood decline
  • Knowing your neighbors provides sense of security
  • Increasing awareness of decisions that impact your neighborhood
  • Creating social opportunities help bring people together

Get Your Neighborhood Organized

  1. Neighborhood Association Checklist
  2. Neighborhood Organizing: First Steps
  3. Organizing an Association: Getting to the First Meeting