Neighborhood Association Formal Recognition

You’ve done a lot of work to meet and engage your neighbors. You’ve identified challenges and opportunities your neighbors share. You’ve named your organization and documented your mission and purpose. Now it’s time to formally recognize your association with the City of West Allis!

You don’t have to formally recognize your association with the City of West Allis, but there are many benefits to doing so, including:

• Opportunities to apply for grants and project funding
• Direct connections to City staff for assistance and information  
• Stronger influence in local decision making 
• Opportunities for promotion of your neighborhood association through City communication channels, such as the City newsletter, e-newsletter, and social media      
• Print materials assistance at reduced costs through the City’s Creative Services Department and access to other City services to assist your organization      

The City’s Community Engagement Coordinator will work with you to formally recognize  your association and help you leverage the benefits of formal recognition. When you’re ready to pursue formal recognition, the CEC will help you with:

• Contacting the alderpersons of your area to share your intent of formal recognition.
• Applying for a neighborhood association organizational grant
• Completing the West Allis Neighborhood Association Application Form.
• Scheduling a public meeting to discuss the proposed neighborhood association and helping the association promote this event. 
• Leading the public meeting to solicit feedback regarding proposed neighborhood association, including discussion of adopting organizational structure and policies, and electing association leadership.
• Compiling supporting documentation, to include the following:
  • Association by-laws
  • Leadership structure and description (e.g. Board of Directors, Committees)
  • Membership Policy - State the requirements for membership in the organization, including any fees. Membership should be available to all residents, landowners, and business people who represent the social, economic and ethnic make-up of the neighborhood.
  • Membership listing (Names, addresses, emails, phone numbers)
  • Meeting Policy - State the location, time and number of neighborhood meetings held during each year. The suggested minimum standard is  four meetings per year.     
• Submit application and final supporting documentation to the Department of Planning & Zoning for the purpose of adopting the Neighborhood Association via Common Council resolution.

Once formally recognized, the Mayor will present the neighborhood with a Proclamation of Recognition, and the City will share an announcement in its bi-annual print newsletter and on social media to help promote your association.