Downtown Greensboro Inc. Revives Downtown Neighborhood Association to Build Community Among Center City Residents
Group held its first meeting August 12 and will convene every other month, blending business discussion with social and networking events
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Downtown Greensboro Inc. (DGI) has revived the Downtown Neighborhood Association to build community among downtown residents and give this key group of the downtown ecosystem a stronger voice: a forum to raise concerns, identify solutions and advocate for the issues that matter most to those who call the center city home. The group held its first meeting on August 12.
"We're excited to provide the resources to revive this community-driven organization, connect our downtown residents and learn from their unique experience of living in our center city," said Rob Overman, Interim Executive Director of DGI. "One of the goals of the GSO35 strategy is to increase the downtown population by 5,000 new residents over the next decade. To accomplish that, we must cultivate a strong resident community and let their experiences guide how downtown grows."
The new association draws inspiration from the former Downtown Residents Association, which disbanded several years ago. While DGI is facilitating the group and providing resources, the association will be community-driven, taking whatever shape its members find most beneficial. Each gathering will pair a social component, fostering stronger relationships among neighbors across downtown, with an informational component addressing topics relevant to downtown living.
Residents are essential stakeholders in the downtown community, with perspectives distinct from those of business owners and visitors. Just as DGI convenes business owners monthly, the Downtown Neighborhood Association creates a regular forum for residents to discuss opportunities, challenges and solutions, and to advocate collectively for the initiatives they care about.
At the inaugural meeting, residents shared how they want the group to function, set early goals for the association and offered input on the opportunities and challenges facing downtown residents today.
"As a downtown resident for more than 10 years, I'm excited about the opportunity to build a stronger network of neighbors and to lend our collective voice to the issues that matter for downtown residents," said Sabrina Jones.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association will meet every other month, with the next meeting scheduled for October. In the months between meetings, the group will host workshops and social events.
Residents interested in joining can learn more here.