Purpose & Vision of the Lawrence Neighborhood Hub

Purpose & Vision of the Lawrence Neighborhood Hub

The Lawrence Neighborhood Hub is a city-led initiative aimed at strengthening neighborhood connectivity, enhancing civic engagement, and fostering a sense of community throughout the City of Lawrence. This program serves as a formal registry for neighborhood associations (NAs),

homeowners associations (HOAs), and community groups, providing them with resources, support, and direct access to city services.

Vision & Goals

The Neighborhood Hub is designed to create a more unified, informed, and engaged community by:

• Encouraging neighborhoods to organize and advocate for their needs.

• Facilitating direct communication between residents and city government.

• Promoting crime watch and public safety initiatives.

• Strengthening collaboration among neighborhoods to address shared challenges and opportunities.

By registering with the Neighborhood Hub, communities gain valuable tools and resources to help them take an active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

Key Feature: Neighborhood Toolkit for Associations

To support neighborhood organizations, the City has developed a Neighborhood Toolkit, designed to help both neighborhood associations (NAs) and homeowners associations (HOAs) with governance, engagement, and sustainability.

Introduction to the Neighborhood Toolkit

The Toolkit provides structured guidance for neighborhoods to form, maintain, and strengthen their associations, fostering community pride and collaboration with city services.

Toolkit Goals:

• Promote community engagement and pride.

• Foster neighborhood connectivity.

• Establish effective communication between neighborhoods and local government.

• Provide access to city resources and support.

The Neighborhood Toolkit will be an evolving resource, incorporating templates, best practices, and direct city support to ensure neighborhood leaders have the tools they need to succeed.

Neighborhood Project Ideas:

The City of Lawrence encourages neighborhoods to take an active role in beautification, safety, engagement, and cultural connection. Here are some ideas for community-led initiatives:

1. Community Beautification & Sustainability

• Clean-up Days: Organize seasonal clean-ups of parks, streets, and vacant lots.

• Community Gardens: Establish shared green spaces for fresh produce and flowers.

• Dumpster Day: Provide large dumpsters for bulk waste disposal.

2. Public Safety & Civic Engagement

• Crime Watch Program: Partner with police to enhance neighborhood safety.

• Sidewalk & Crosswalk Improvements: Advocate for better pedestrian and bike infrastructure.

• Meet First Responders: Host community events with police and firefighters.

3. Social & Cultural Events

• Block Party or Festival: Celebrate with music, food, and activities.

• National Night Out: Strengthen police-community relationships.

• Cultural Exchange Events: Highlight neighborhood diversity through food, music, and storytelling.

• Holiday Celebrations: Organize events for major holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Exploring Lawrence’s Eight Unique Neighborhoods

In 2024, the Lawrence Common Council passed a resolution recognizing eight distinct neighborhoods that contribute to the city’s rich history, culture, and identity:

• Oaklandon

• Fort Ben

• Indian Lake

• Lanesville

• The Pike

• Sunnyside

• Geist’s Edge

• The Ridge

Recognizing and celebrating these neighborhoods helps enhance the quality of life, foster economic development, and strengthen community pride and connectivity. The City encourages residents in these areas to form neighborhood associations to further engage and represent their communities.

Learn more about Lawrence’s Eight neighborhoods here:

Our City: https://www.cityoflawrence.org/neighborhoods

Visit Lawrence Indiana: https://visitlawrenceindiana.com/live/neighborhoods/

Register with the Neighborhood Hub!

We invite all neighborhood groups—both established and emerging—to register with the Neighborhood Hub and help build stronger, more vibrant communities. Your participation is crucial in shaping a more connected and engaged Lawrence!

Visit the Neighborhood Hub webpage: https://www.cityoflawrence.org/content/neighborhood-hub

Email: NeighborhoodHUB@cityoflawrence.org

Let’s work together to build stronger neighborhoods and a more connected city!