Livable Neighborhoods Program

Helping New Yorkers become stronger advocates for their neighborhoods

2007-present

Founded on the principle that community involvement is essential to successful city planning, the Livable Neighborhoods Program (LNP) helps local leaders in under-resourced communities develop the knowledge and tools that they need to participate effectively in public land use review processes and engage in creative, community-based design and planning.

Through community visioning, educational workshops, leadership development, and online resources, participants become better prepared to work with developers, elected and appointed officials, and New York City agencies to advocate for the types of land use regulations and community benefits that they want and need.

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2018 Request for Proposals

MAS is now reviewing applications from community-based partners interested in leading land use planning efforts in their neighborhoods as part of its 2018 Livable Neighborhoods Program.

Selected groups will work with MAS staff to develop and deliver two public workshops that will educate and engage neighbors in planning basics, including regulations and processes that govern land use in New York City, and an overview of community advocacy tools, including historic preservation.

Partners will receive small participation stipends and must commit to an orientation session, two in-person planning meetings, and a series of weekly planning calls leading up to the workshops. MAS will provide partners with small workshop budgets, as well as tools and guidance to support their management of workshop agendas, outreach and logistics. MAS staff and content partners will provide workshop content and facilitation. The average time commitment is approximately 35 hours, including workshop planning, outreach, and participation.

Following participation in the program, partners will be invited to join a network of fellow LNP alumni and peer capacity building organizations. New alumni network members will be offered a free one-year membership to MAS, including invitations to public programs and events throughout the year.

Successful applicants will include community leaders of many varieties including staff and volunteers with community-based organizations, local artists and designers, local business owners, neighborhood and block association members, and Community Board members.

Previous LNP partners have said:

“The Livable Neighborhoods Program helps participants to confront the daunting challenges of our communities by giving the participants the tools to recognize those challenges and how to develop a successful strategy to go forward.”

“It was a great team building exercise. It was a great way to show how a community can and should be well rounded and balanced. The program gave great ideas. It was a great way for everyone to discuss and express their concerns.”

“The program exceeded our expectations as it shared what other communities are doing in other states and in this city. It left us with a working product.”