What they are

Neighborhood organizations create neighborhood action plans to plan how NRP funds will be used. This plan identifies investments that a neighborhood's residents believe will meet the most critical needs, create the greatest improvement in the neighborhood and have the best community engagement outcomes.

Neighborhood organizations use the plan modification process to formally request a change to some part of their neighborhood action plan.

Creating a neighborhood action plan

Residents have used a six-step process to help define what they want for their neighborhood, prepare their neighborhood action plan and begin successful implementation.

Develop a participation agreement.

The neighborhood organization prepares a participation agreement that spells out how they will:

1. select a neighborhood NRP steering committee to coordinate the plan development process,
2. get a broad cross section of people and interests involved,
3. gather background information for the planning effort,
4. define neighborhood issues and opportunities, and
5. structure meetings and events to develop their plan.

Build a diverse citizen participation effort and gather and analyze information.

Issues, needs and opportunities are identified through outreach to individuals and neighborhood groups. Outreach activities include meetings, surveys, events, focus groups and other efforts managed by the neighborhood's NRP steering committee.

Draft a plan.

Using information gathered through its outreach efforts, the neighborhood NRP steering committee identifies the top issues, needs and opportunities. A draft plan with a vision statement, broad goals and clearly defined objectives is prepared. Assistance from government staff, nonprofit organizations and the private sector helps the steering committee draft the strategies (including time lines, costs and responsibilities) required for successful plan implementation.

Review and approve the plan at the neighborhood level.

The NRP steering committee presents the draft plan to neighborhood residents and other stakeholders for their review, comment and approval. Neighborhood approval is the final step in the drafting of the NAP.

Submit the plan to the government jurisdictions for review, approval and funding.

The plan goes to the NCR staff and Policy Board and the four participating jurisdictions for review and comment. This review confirms which organizations will be involved in implementation and manage the needed performance contracts. Revisions, if any appear to be warranted, are suggested to the neighborhood. The neighborhood provides a final plan for presentation to the Policy Board for approval. The Policy Board and the Minneapolis City Council approve the NAP and the Council appropriates the allocation previously set aside by the Policy Board for the neighborhood and implementation of its approved NAP.

Implement the plan.

The neighborhood organization staff and resident volunteers help carry out, monitor and revise the plan as it is implemented. Implementation occurs by working with government staff, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.