The public is invited to comment on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Work Group’s final report, which recommends the focus, funding and governance of the NRP as well as options for strengthening community engagement in all aspects of the City’s partnership with neighborhood organizations.

The Minneapolis City Council Committee of the Whole received the final report at its July 24 meeting, and will hear community input at a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, room 317 of City Hall, 350 S. Fifth St.

After hearing comments from the public on Aug. 20, the Committee of the Whole will forward the report to the City Council for action at its meeting on Sept. 12. The report includes proposals for neighborhood organization funding and the creation of a Neighborhood and Community Advisory Board that would be staffed by a new City department dedicated to enhancing neighborhood involvement in partnership with the City. The proposed resident-controlled advisory board would provide direction to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and advise City elected officials and City departments on community issues and community participation opportunities.

City leaders have been working since 2006 to improve the City’s community engagement system and address how community engagement is affected by changes in population demographics, financial constraints, and the approaching sunset of legislation that created the funding source for the NRP. This effort seeks to ensure that neighborhoods remain a valued part of the City’s culture and serve as an important link between City government and our residents and businesses.

To view the NRP Work Group’s final report or the Core Principles of Community Engagement adopted by the City Council in December 2007, visit: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/communications/communityengagement.asp.