Love Your Block Pivots for the Pandemic

The pandemic presented challenges for our Love Your Block program, which is built on connections between city leaders and residents. But cities found ways to continue strengthening communities and revitalizing neighborhoods safely and effectively. From things as simple as door hangers to shifting criteria for mini-grants, read about how our Love Your Block program pivoted to meet the needs of residents.

Where are they now? Stephany Ny

Caring Communities in Milwaukee

With support and two AmeriCorps VISTA members from Cities of Service, the Milwaukee Love Your Block team has worked with resident volunteers to make their neighborhoods better places to live. And when COVID-19 hit the city, they supported residents who were helping their neighbors weather the pandemic.

Check out the hard work of city staff, AmeriCorps VISTA members, and residents who love their communities and their block. 

• "User Personas" can help city officials better understand the needs of residents. This tool is especially useful for reaching teenagers and young adults, who are often less engaged with COVID-19 communication. Learn more in the newest resource from What Works Cities. 
• ELGL has expanded their local government leadership diversity survey to include all local government employees. Learn more about this project to understand what leadership looks like in our communities and participate. 
• Our colleague Daffney Moore, Chief Opportunity Zone Officer with St. Louis Development Corporation, is speaking as part of the 2020 Elevate Conference. Register and tune in on Friday, Oct. 9 to hear from Daffney about rebuilding to create more robust, more sustainable communities. 

• 2019 #EngagedCities Award winner Plymouth, U.K., has launched it's City Change Fund again this year! Plymouth is working with Crowdfunder UK to raise funds from the community, and the city will match donations for promising projects. Funds from their Engaged Cities Award will boost projects that make Plymouth a greener, more sustainable city. Read more.
• The Department of Neighborhoods in Hamilton, Ohio, has introduced a new asset: the Community Cleanup Chest, affectionately known as "The Cube." This mobile shed will bring tools, safety vests, garbage bags, gloves, coolers, and pop-up shade tents directly to project sites. Read more. 
• Chicago is crowdsourcing ideas from experts and amateurs to sustain outside dining through the winter season. Three winners will get $5,000 each and see their ideas piloted in neighborhoods across the city. Read more.