NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS

Starting a Neighborhood Association

WHY FORM AN ASSOCIATION?

• Direct contact with Planning & Development staff as liaison to County Departments
• Availability to County officials and Departments at association meetings
• Capacity building opportunities (Summit, Neighborhood Coalition, etc.)
• Increased pride and awareness of what is happening in your neighborhood
• Direct notice and invitations to County activities

WHAT DOES THE COUNTY PROVIDE TO ASSOCIATIONS?

• Notice of planning applications (new developments, variance requests, etc.)
• Notice of upcoming County Commissioner’s Court hearings with applicable items
• Respond within five (5) working days to requests for County-related information
• Maintains an updated Neighborhood Association Directory

WHAT DOES THE COUNTY REQUIRE FROM ASSOCIATIONS?

• Host at least one meeting per year
• Notify County Representative of annual general membership meeting
• Comply with the Neighborhood Association Court Order
• Maintain updated contact information of two (2) members
• Provide notice to members of planning and land use issues
• Establish an orderly process for making decisions (bylaws)
• Establish a defined method for reporting to the County, actions that reflect the association’s position

Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP)

The Neighborhood Improvement Program provides an opportunity for County-registered neighborhood associations to request small-scale, permanent physical improvement projects to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. NIP funding is made available through the County’s adopted annual budget. While projects commonly funded through the NIP are park amenities and public art, this program is designed to accommodate a wide range of project ideas. Availability of funding is dependent on the approval of the Commissioners Court for a given fiscal year. Applications are not accepted year-round. Associations wishing to propose a project are encouraged to first contact the Planning department to inquire as to the availability of funding. If funding is available, the department will begin to coordinate with the association to define the project scope of work. Importantly, note that eligible projects must be situated on County-owned property or within the public right-of-way maintained by El Paso County. Final approval of any project will occur by the Commissioners Court. For further information about the NIP program or the present availability of funding, please contact the Planning department via phone or email.

View Application Guide

Neighborhood Improvement Program Application