January 6, 2000
Neighborhood Action Continues Momentum
With Forum At U.D.C.
(Washington, DC) Neighborhood Action, Mayor Anthony A. Williams' plan to forge a greater partnership between the District government and residents, continues to move forward. The next step in Neighborhood Action, a program to mobilize the government, businesses, nonprofit organizations and the faith community to improve the quality of life in Washington, D.C., is a Neighborhood Action Forum. The forum is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 27, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the University of the District of Columbia's Main Gymnasium, Bldg. 47 at 4200 Connecticut Ave., N. W. At the forum, citizens will learn how their participation in the Citizen Summit influenced the City-Wide Strategic Plan, as well as continue the work they began in their neighborhood groups.
During the first half of the forum, Mayor Williams and his agency directors will present the modifications that they have made to the City-Wide Strategic Plan and will outline the actions that have been taken as a result of the Citizen Summit. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss these presentations and will be supported by polling-keypad technology.
Following the presentations, participants will reconvene into neighborhood groups to discuss how the plan supports their neighborhood priorities, and they will begin preparations for a series of neighborhood forums to be held in the spring.
The forum follows the Citizen Summit, held at the Washington Convention Center on November 18 and 20, at which more than 3,000 committed District residents from every Ward came together in a day-long session to develop a vision for the city, critique the mayor's strategic plan and identify community priorities. A preliminary report that lists citizens' priorities and key themes discussed at the Summit will be sent to participants this month and will be available at the Neighborhood Action web site.
The Mayor expressed hope that engaging citizens in the governing process would become institutionalized in his administration. "As part of this ongoing Neighborhood Action Initiative, we will continue to mobilize and coordinate our collective resources and make Washington, D.C., a shining example of community self-empowerment," said Mayor Williams. "Together, as we build our future, we'll make history."
Persons wishing to register for the Neighborhood Action Forum, can register by phone at 202-727-0882 or through the web site at neighborhoods.washingtondc.gov.
