Title
A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Amending Resolution R-2023-364 That Established The Partnership For Engaged Neighborhoods Program.
Strategic Plan Focus
Communications & Civic Engagement
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of attached Resolution.
Explanation:
The City of Hollywood has a long-standing commitment to partnering with community leaders and residents to ensure our neighborhoods remain strong, vibrant and engaged. The Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Commissioners and City administration are dedicated to strengthening community bonds, encouraging civic participation, connecting neighbors, and fostering productive, two-way communication between civic associations and the City, while preserving each civic association’s independence and self-governance.
In November 2023, the City established the Partnership for Engaged Neighborhoods (PEN) Program to formalize this commitment. The program was created to support collaboration between residents, City staff, and elected officials, and to recognize civic associations that register with the City. Based on implementation experience, the City is now adopting a revised version of the PEN Program that enhances transparency, accountability, and civic involvement.
This revised framework includes updated registration and participation requirements. Civic associations must now submit the following in order to participate in the PEN Program:
• A copy of their current bylaws;
• A list of current board members;
• A schedule of meeting dates.
The goal of the PEN program is to foster productive communication and relationships between the City and registered civic associations. PEN encourages civic associations to conduct regular meetings to share information with neighbors and discuss topics of interest, host events that engage residents, receive and communicate City information with residents, provide input on new and existing City programs and services on behalf of the neighborhood, and more.
The City will support registered civic associations by providing meeting space free of charge, hosting quarterly meeting with City Manager/City Staff, distributing consistent civic association e-updates, coordinating the Community Connections Workshop twice a year, offering a one-time per year grant to eligible civic associations that meet required criteria, and more.
With this revised structure, PEN continues to serve as a valuable platform for civic collaboration and neighborhood empowerment, ensuring residents have a strong voice in shaping the future of their communities and our City.
Fiscal Impact:
The PEN program includes the opportunity for a registered civic association to qualify to receive a one-time per year grant from the City of Hollywood. Funding for PEN grants is available in the FY 2025 Operating Budget in account number 001.110102.51200.531170.000000.000.000.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Alison Saffold, Civic Affairs Administrator
Adam Reichbach, Assistant City Manager