Strong Neighborhoods

The City of Ames has a long tradition of supporting strong neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods are the building blocks of a vibrant, connected community. The Ames City Council shows its support of neighborhoods through the support of a multitude of programs, including Neighborhood Associations, Neighborhood Improvement Project Grants funding, the Ames Police Department's Safe Neighborhoods Team, the Street 'N' Greet Block Party Trailer, public outreach and education, and more.

Neighborhood Associations

A good way for neighbors to organize is through a Neighborhood Association (N.A.). You can give a voice to your neighborhood, receive official public notices, and benefit from the many neighborhood programs. For information on your Neighborhood Association contact person, or on starting a Neighborhood Association if you don't live within an existing one, please contact the Planning and Housing Department at 515-239-5400.

Click here to take the Ames Neighborhood Association Survey

Click here for a map of current Neighborhood Associations

Neighborhood Improvement Project Grant

Neighborhood Improvement Project (NIP) Grants of up to $5,000 are available to Ames neighborhoods. The purpose of the NIP is to strengthen a neighborhood with the addition of permanent physical improvements and to promote a greater sense of community through resident participation in a neighborhood project.

Click here for more information about the Neighborhood Improvement Project Grant and application form, or contact Renee Hall, City Clerk, at 515-239-5105.

 Neighborhood Newsletter Grant

All Neighborhood Associations currently registered with the Ames City Clerk are eligible to apply for a Neighborhood Association Newsletter Grant of up to $1,000. Financial assistance through this grant is limited to cost of printing or postage of the Neighborhood Association Newsletter, but not both, for one fiscal year. The newsletter must be distributed to every household within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Association. The grant amount will be based on the number of households within the current Neighborhood Association boundary and the number of times per year the newsletter will be published.

Click here for a grant application.

Neighborhood Sculpture Program

The Ames Public Art Commission administers the Neighborhood Sculpture Program whereby neighbors may request placement of a piece of art from the Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition in their neighborhood.

Click here for additional information on selection criteria, deadlines, and an application.

Block Parties

Block parties are a great opportunity for neighbors to interact with one another and welcome new residents into their neighborhood. These social gatherings usually take place on the street or in a nearby park where adults and kids can enjoy food, games, and conversations with their neighbors. Applications for block parties may be obtained by contacting the Planning and Housing Department at 515-239-5400. One week’s notice is required, and a majority of the neighborhood must be participating in order to block off the street.

A popular option to use with your party is the Street 'N' Greet Block Party Trailer, which is available free of charge to Ames residents for use at neighborhood parties. It contains street barricades, 8 folding tables, 36 folding chairs, a canopy tent,  First Aid kit, various activities and games for children and adults, and more.

Street 'N' Greet Block Party Trailer Homepage

Street 'N' Greet Block Party Trailer Reservation Form

Good Neighbor Guide to Services

Click here for a City of Ames Good Neighbor Guide.

Safe Neighborhoods

Safe Neighborhoods Team
Click here for more information about the Ames Police Department's Safe Neighborhoods Team.

Community Resource Officer
Click here for more information about the Ames Police Department's Community Resource Officer.

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