Next Level Neighborhoods (NLN) is an exciting opportunity to make a positive, lasting impact in your community. Participating neighborhoods select project leaders to steer the program for the year. NLN Leaders collaborate with their neighbors to choose and complete activities and projects to build a sense of community, strengthen neighborhood resilience, and promote civic engagement.

Building off the strong foundations of the Sustainable Neighborhoods and Neighborhood Connections programs, NLN focuses on all areas of leadership development and sustainability to create a meaningful, comprehensive program that is tailored to each neighborhood’s unique personality.

Participating neighborhoods are supported by City staff, a designated neighborhood liaison, and become part of a growing network of NLN’s in Fort Collins. Throughout the year there will be opportunities for collaboration, recognition of achievements, involvement in city initiatives, and project funding. All participating neighborhoods will receive a Next Level Neighborhoods sign to display at their neighborhood entrance and will achieve badges throughout the year for completing activities.

The activities you plan and complete in your neighborhoods are what Next Level Neighborhoods is all about! From book clubs to community gardens, block parties to educational presentations, there is no limit to the creative and impactful ways you can build community and make a difference in your neighborhood.

Activities fall into one or more of the three categories of Sustainability:

• Environmental Sustainability activities may focus on conservation, ecological health, and climate resilience.
• Social Sustainability includes activities that build community, involve volunteerism or social safety net projects, advance equity, or improve livability.
• Community Capital activities will promote the neighborhood-level economy; not just small business support, but non-monetary exchanges of services, expertise, and goods among neighbors, as well as professional development for residents.

Neighborhoods are encouraged to plan and complete activities that support their goals and fit their neighborhood’s unique culture.

¿Qué tipo de actividades podría realizar mi vecindario?

Las actividades que planean y completan en sus vecindarios son el objetivo de Next Level Neighborhoods. Desde los clubes de lectura hasta los jardines comunitarios, pasando por las fiestas de vecindario y las presentaciones educativas, no hay límite para las formas creativas e impactantes de construir una comunidad y marcar la diferencia en su vecindario. 

Las actividades pertenecen a una o varias de las tres categorías de sustentabilidad:  

• Las actividades de Sustentabilidad medioambiental pueden centrarse en la conservación, la salud ecológica y la resistencia al clima tanto en entornos humanos como no humanos.
• La Sustentabilidad social incluye actividades que construyen la comunidad, implican el voluntariado o proyectos de la red de seguridad social, promueven la equidad o mejoran la habitabilidad.
• Las actividades de Capital comunitario promoverán la economía del vecindario; no sólo el apoyo a las pequeñas empresas, sino los intercambios no monetarios de servicios, conocimientos y bienes entre los vecinos, así como el desarrollo profesional de los residentes y la mejora de las infraestructuras.

 Se anima a los vecindarios a planear y realizar actividades que apoyen sus objetivos y se ajusten a la cultura única de su vecindario.