Local Efforts Receive Spirit Of Neighborhood Action Awards

Washington, DC) This evening, Mayor Anthony A. Williams and Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of “Meet the Press,” presented awards to citizens, community-based organizations, and District employees for their efforts to tackle tough problems in the community. The awardees exemplify the spirit of Neighborhood Action in three categories: Citizens Taking Control, Exemplary Teams of District Employees, and Outstanding Community Partnerships. Sponsored by the American Legacy Foundation, the reception took place from 6:30—8:30 pm at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.  

“Two years ago, at the first Citizen Summit we launched the Neighborhood Action Initiative in order to change the way we work as a community and make the District a better place to live,” said Mayor Williams. “Tonight’s award winners exemplify the true spirit of Neighborhood Action.”

The following efforts received awards:

Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group—An ad hoc coalition of community and faith-based organizations that provides avenues for community awareness, information sharing, strategic planning, and action, the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Group coordinated the initial response to flooding in the North Capitol Street area.

Friends of Walter Pierce Park—This group of citizens in Ward 1 raised thousands of dollars to buy new equipment and restore Walter Pierce Park to make it the community-gathering place it once was.  

North Michigan Park Civic Association—Residents of the North Michigan Park neighborhood returned to their community after the first Citizen Summit and improved this park and three others with landscaping and plantings that resulted in a visible enhancement to the main thoroughfare.  

Youth Summit Advisory Board—The tireless efforts and commitment of the Youth Summit Advisory Board resulted in the District’s first