Creating A New Neighborhood Association

Neighborhood Organizing Process

  1. 1. Form the Core Group
    Discuss the ideas with others that you think might want to be involved. The more people you have involved at the start, the more talent skills, and abilities you'll have available for your neighborhood association.
  2. 2. Contact Planning Services
    Call 920-230-2717 for a pre-organizing consultation (these can be done by phone or in person).
  3. 3. Schedule your Core Group meeting
    Don't forget to invite GO-HNI staff! We are here to help and can assist you through the entire organizing process.
  4. 4. Send out invitations
    Invite all residents of your neighborhood to your first general meeting.
  5. 5. Vote
    At your general meeting vote on neighborhood boundaries, a name, and your governing rules or by-laws.
  6. 6. Submit required documents

    Submit all required documentation to GO-HNI in accordance with City of Oshkosh's Neighborhood Recognition Policy.

    Neighborhood Association Recognition Checklist

  7. 7. Get something on the calendar
    Plan your first neighborhood project or event and HAVE FUN!!!

Oshkosh neighborhoods are vitally important community assets. They are where we live, work, play, and raise our families. Strong neighborhoods promote a sense of well-being and community connectedness that is good for our health, safety, and our children.

The Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhood Alliance is a board committee of GO-HNI, comprised of resident leaders from Oshkosh neighborhood associations that are committed to maintaining or improving the quality of life in our community. Working in partnership with the City of Oshkosh, the goals of the Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhood Alliance are simple:

  1. To provide assistance to residents in developing City of Oshkosh recognized neighborhood associations
  2. To provide a forum for discussing neighborhood issues and devising solutions that positively impact our community
  3. To represent the interests of neighborhoods in the development and implementation of strategies that affect quality of life issues; and promote neighborhoods that are clean, safe, friendly, and informed

The Creating Healthy Neighborhoods of Choice in Oshkosh guide was written for all residents who are interested in organizing a new neighborhood association, or becoming more involved in an existing association. There are many ways to organize an association and each neighborhood is unique. This guide should be viewed as a resource, but in no way interpreted as a one-size-fits-all approach to neighborhood development.

What is a Neighborhood Association?

A neighborhood association is a voluntary organization of residents who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood. Associations can form out of a concern over a particular issue or as a means of enhancing a sense of community. Neighborhood associations can work collaboratively with their local government agencies to facilitate the need for a rapid response from local agencies and residents to resolve community concerns. Forming a neighborhood association can make a big difference in the quality of life for you personally and your community.

Voluntary, open membership makes neighborhood associations different from homeowners’ organizations. Homeowners' organizations require homeowners to be members as a part of a covenant included in their purchase agreement. Non-homeowners in the area (renters or leasers, for example) are excluded. Usually a homeowner's organization is set up by the subdivision developer to provide maintenance fees for common areas. No matter what an organization is named, it’s how the organization functions that determines what it is. This booklet focuses on neighborhood associations, but some of the material may also be useful to homeowner's organizations.

What are the Benefits of a Neighborhood Association?

Neighborhood associations are a valuable tool in helping bring residents together to preserve and enhance the livability of a neighborhood. Associations provide a forum for discussing local and citywide issues, and they often plan activities and projects that are beneficial to the area. Neighborhood associations can also help maintain neighborhood standards through code enforcement and help residents stay informed on city policies and procedures.