Riverside Neighborhood Partnership 2007-2008 Board L-R Top Row: Nancy Sturmer, Amy Aldana, Albert Figueroa, Gurumantra Khalsa, Jeff Kraus, Karin Roberts, Nancy Hart, Aurora Chavez, Christina Duran L-R Sitting: Taffi Romero, Scott Andrews, Susie Doss, Justin Scott-Coe Not Pictured: Cindy Jensen, Wil Lopez, Melvin Ryman, Lorraine Hernandez Saint, Paul Van Doren

The Riverside Neighborhood Partnership (RNP) is a community group whose mission is to encourage and facilitate the formation of neighborhood associations city-wide and to act as a clearinghouse for neighborhood concerns. It is the Partnership's belief that by being organized, neighborhoods are better equipped to tackle problems that periodically arise. In addition, neighborhood organization provides the infrastructure for residents to proactively address issues such as crime, disaster preparedness, beautification, information dissemination, and social outreach. Quality of life is improved when neighbors know one another and are empowered as a group to approach City Hall for assistance in achieving short and long-term goals. Everyone benefits -- the neighborhood schools, parks, businesses, public/private institutions, and residents alike.

The RNP board consists of 24 community volunteers and one City Council member for a total of 25. Fifteen members are neighborhood residents. Neighborhood representatives are required to be active in a neighborhood association, neighborhood watch, or some other identifiable neighborhood group. In addition to neighborhood representatives are three members from the business community, three members from non-profit organizations, and three members representing education. One council member rounds out the group as the liaison to the Community Services and Youth Committee of the City Council.

Meetings are open to the public and are held the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Mayor's Ceremonial Room, 7th floor, City Hall. Call the Housing & Neighborhoods Division for confirmation of meeting location at 826-5195.