Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Development

Purpose and Need The Office of Neighborhood Development joins with neighborhoods throughout Wilmington that is prepared to eliminate crime and a number of quality of life issues plaguing their community. The Office works to support dedicated individuals who are committed to transforming their neighborhoods by providing them with information, resources, and support. In addition to establishing partnerships with community members to address these issues, the Office serves as a bridge between citizens and City government. By acting as a community liaison, the OND is better able to coordinate the actions of City agencies to help neighborhoods address their concerns. Working together, we will motivate and inspire others to join in making Wilmington a clean, peaceful community where prosperity and opportunities are extended to all.

Mission Statement The mission of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Development is to empower residents of the City of Wilmington to initiate positive activities in their neighborhoods that improve the quality of life for all.

Goals and Objectives Goal#1: ‘Clean Up’ the City of Wilmington (Physical Environment, Economic Viability, Crime and Safety, Physical Health) Cleaning up scattered litter and debris will help restore and enhance the pride in Wilmington. Residents of clean neighborhoods will be more likely to clean and maintain their properties and shared spaces. People will be less likely to litter in spaces with cleaner appearances. This will lead to a cleaner physical environment; will boost economic viability by boosting both internal and external perspectives of Wilmington; will discourage criminal activity by giving Wilmington's neighborhoods an appearance of low tolerance for destructive behavior and will reduce the negative health impacts of a dirty environment.

Goal#2: ‘Fix Up’ the City of Wilmington (Physical Environment, Economic Viability, Crime and Safety) Repairing the components of the built environment that have deteriorated throughout the city will positively impact the quality of the physical environment. Deteriorated and abandoned buildings will be rehabilitated and developed and put to productive use, boosting the economic viability of Wilmington and its neighborhoods. A high quality physical environment will deter criminal behavior.

Goal#3: ‘Build Up’ the City of Wilmington (Human Capital, Economic Viability, Crime and Safety, Physical Health) Enhancing the growth and development of Wilmington residents, building the capacities of Wilmington's civic organizations, and promoting economic development will enhance the economic viability of the city. Crime will be reduced as mainstream economic opportunities will become more plentiful. Physical health will increase as residents will have access to better healthcare, enjoy higher quality food, and will take part in a number of healthy activities.

Action Steps Taken “Clean Up” the City of Wilmington Community Clean-Up Day Neighborhood/Community/Corporate Volunteers Neighborhood Enhancement Teams (NET) Increased Street Cleaning of Commercial Corridors

“Fix Up” the City of Wilmington Restore Public Spaces Develop Abandoned Houses Enhance Transportation Infrastructure

“Build Up” the City of Wilmington Engage Residents in Civic Activities and Events Enhance Education, Human Development and Job Opportunities Improve Land Use and Housing Foster Economic Development Promote Healthier Lifestyles and Environments

Vision Statement Wilmington will be the best mid-sized city in the U.S. in which to work, live, raise a family, visit and own a business. Our city will be renowned for its diverse, friendly and safe neighborhoods, vibrant economy, educational excellence, clean public spaces and collaborative community partnerships.