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Community Services
About the Department
The Community Services Department is the local level of government responsible for uplifting, supporting, protecting and enforcing the community's health of people and place. To have a greater community impact, it is necessary to develop dynamic working relationships with other city departments, community agencies, local businesses and residents.
Divisions
The Community Development Division administers the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership formula grant programs. Every five years, staff coordinate a community-wide planning and needs assessment process. This helps direct the way the funds are spent and supports local services, as well as collect and disseminate invaluable community feedback.
The Planning and Zoning Division addresses the needs of current and future generations through the planning and administration of land and use. A citywide comprehensive plan -- for which an update is in progress in 2015 - establishes a strong foundation for development to occur. This work is the blueprint for future community growth and change and considers aesthetic, environmental, economic and social health issues.
The Code Compliance and Inspections divisions improve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens. These efforts protect against hazardous and deteriorating conditions that contribute to the degradation of neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Planning
A further, vital, element to this department is resident engagement. This is strengthened by staff providing support to organized resident groups called Neighborhood Planning Councils. These NPCs are appointed by the City Commission and provide an open, inclusive and diverse forum for discussion of neighborhood and community issues.
The Community Services Department is the local level of government responsible for uplifting, supporting, protecting and enforcing the community's health of people and place. To have a greater community impact, it is necessary to develop dynamic working relationships with other city departments, community agencies, local businesses and residents.
Divisions
The Community Development Division administers the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership formula grant programs. Every five years, staff coordinate a community-wide planning and needs assessment process. This helps direct the way the funds are spent and supports local services, as well as collect and disseminate invaluable community feedback.
The Planning and Zoning Division addresses the needs of current and future generations through the planning and administration of land and use. A citywide comprehensive plan -- for which an update is in progress in 2015 - establishes a strong foundation for development to occur. This work is the blueprint for future community growth and change and considers aesthetic, environmental, economic and social health issues.
The Code Compliance and Inspections divisions improve and protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens. These efforts protect against hazardous and deteriorating conditions that contribute to the degradation of neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Planning
A further, vital, element to this department is resident engagement. This is strengthened by staff providing support to organized resident groups called Neighborhood Planning Councils. These NPCs are appointed by the City Commission and provide an open, inclusive and diverse forum for discussion of neighborhood and community issues.