City seeks leaders for Neighborhood Coalitions

The City of Temple’s Housing & Community Development Department is seeking individuals to help lead development efforts in their neighborhoods. 

The City has established 20 Neighborhood Coalitions throughout the city to identify needs and distribute resources to individual areas. Now, the City is seeking Neighborhood Champions to serve as a liaison between the City and those identified neighborhoods. 

“Each Coalition is led by a champion who serves as the point person and rallies the district for community events, shares information, assists with gathering survey data, provides input on ideas and initiatives with the ultimate goal of creating a well-functioning neighborhood,” said Ron Germann, the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization manager. 

Resident Zoe Grant serves as a Neighborhood Champion for the Crestview neighborhood.  

“The purpose is to bring unity in the neighborhood. It’s not a Neighborhood Watch, although that’s an element, but it’s more of bringing people together to bring the community up and encourage people to take care of their homes and yards,” Grant said. 

Neighborhood Champions help residents take advantage of City resources, such as the Housing Resource Center, Tool Library and Operation Dumpster Drop, which Grant said have been successful in her neighborhood. 

“I think a lot of the progress we’ve seen has to do with the revitalization program the city has where they are helping repair some of the homes in the neighborhood,” Grant said. “We’re noticing neighborhoods that have a lot of things that need to be done, and there are programs like to Tool Truck or Dumpster Drop where we can clean up the whole neighborhood.” 

Eight of the 18 coalitions currently have champions in place, and Germann said they have proven to be a valuable resource. 

“The Districts who have champions are vibrant. The exchange of information is healthy and serves to give a voice to the residents,” he said. “It helps guide staff by fully understanding the rhythm, needs and goals of the District.  I can’t overstate a champion’s value.” 

Though Neighborhood Champions may organize efforts, Grant said none of this is possible without buy-in from the community. 

“This is a neighborhood effort,” she said. “It’s not just me trying to do everything, but trying to get everyone involved.” 

Residents interested in becoming Neighborhood Champions can contact Housing & Community Development by calling 254.298.5999 or visit http://bit.ly/3rbcjdt for more information.