Annual Empowering Neighborhoods Forum

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In recent years, Chesterfield County has shifted from managing fast growth and development to a county that is focusing its efforts on redeveloping existing commercial corridors and communities. Empowering citizens to maintain and revitalize their neighborhoods in the county is the motivation for an “Annual Empowering Neighborhoods Forum”. The Sustain Our Communities Committee (SOCC), a Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors appointed group, created this positive event to address its mission, which is to “indentify best practices and disseminate information to individuals and organizations to maintain or improve communities.” In February 2012, the first forum was held. The program is marketed regionally and is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is preferred; however, on-site registration is available and promoted. During this half-day Saturday program, individuals are educated, encouraged, and empowered to meet the challenges they are facing or may face in their communities. Hundreds of area residents have benefited from sessions delivered by professionals on crime prevention, fighting blight, code compliance, how to organize a civic group, aging in place, homeowner association law, and increasing your home’s curb appeal. The SOCC will continue to present this program, because of the need to educate and empower Chesterfield County residents.