Programs and Services

Neighborhood Leadership Program

Established in 2004, this program strives to increase the knowledge and skills of residents to lead and contribute to the success of neighborhood improvement groups and improve the effectiveness of neighborhood organizations through strategic planning and partnerships. Classes are held in the spring and fall.

More about the Neighborhood Leadership Program >>

Quality of Life Study

The Quality of Life Study represents an innovative and practical policy tool to guide the measurement of neighborhood-level quality of life conditions across the city. The goal of the study is to increase public awareness and understanding of critical quality of life issues and challenges facing the City of Chesapeake; and to foster collaboration and discussion around finding solutions. By working together, citizens, elected officials, businesses, community groups, and staff can create stronger neighborhoods throughout Chesapeake.

For statistical purposes, the City was divided into 172 Neighborhood Statistical Areas (NSAs). Neighborhood Statistical Areas are defined as communities of interest consisting of one or more neighborhoods or subdivisions. After analyzing Crime, Social, Physical & Economic data, the Study classifies each of the NSAs as Developing, Sustaining or Revitalizing. The use of the Developing, Sustaining, and Revitalizing framework aligns NSAs with other communities facing similar challenges and dynamics.

More about the Quality of Life Study >>

Annual Neighborhood Symposium

Provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and share best practices that have been successful in developing, revitalizing and sustaining healthy neighborhoods. The Symposium brings together residents, civic leagues, businesses, places of worship, and government and agency officials to address quality of life issues.

World Changers – Home Repair

Sponsors World Changers home repair project. Youth volunteers, along with adult leaders, visit Chesapeake for a one-week experience resulting in improved housing conditions in stressed neighborhoods.

More about World Changers >>

Grants

The Neighborhood Matching Grants Program awards grants to neighborhood based organizations for projects that will make their neighborhoods better places to live, work, play and shop. Funds granted by the City of Chesapeake must be matched with contributions of volunteer time, cash, or in-kind donations of goods and services. Grants up to $25,000 are awarded twice a year and announced at the Annual Neighborhood Symposium.

Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program/Application >>

Civic League

List civic leagues and neighborhood associations registered with the City.  The directory facilitates communication between the City and civic groups about activities, programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents.  The directory, updated annually, is available in print and online.

More about Chesapeake Civic Leagues >>

Emergency Preparedness

Identifies neighborhood contacts and informs residents of locations to receive information about basic needs and essential services when traditional communication channels are not available due to a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.

Communications

Chesapeake Neighborhood Connections provides practical information and resources for addressing neighborhood quality of life issues and conditions.  Sections of the newsletter focus on Neighborhood Coordination programs, city government services, civic league events, and best practices for community improvement.

More about the E-Connections Newsletter >>

OMBUDSMAN SERVICES

• SELF-HELP - Increase the capacity of neighborhoods to prevent, identify and solve problems at the grass root level.
• ADVOCACY - Advise and advocate ways to enhance and improve City services based on neighborhood and community dialogue and feedback.
• DISPUTE RESOLUTION - Serve as quasi "ombudspersons" to help resolve community issues, concerns and complaints regarding City services.
• INFORMATION - Provide "direct point of contact" services for the community when the appropriate agency contacts are unknown.
• ACCESSIBILITY - Lead efforts to increase accessibility to City services and to decision-making processes.