How do NPAs Work?
Bylaws: Each Neighborhood Planning Assembly has its own set of bylaws or guidelines. Although most meetings work in the same general way, the bylaws provide rules for the way that decisions are made and recorded.
Membership: Membership is open to all residents of a Ward. To become a member, an interested resident must attend a meeting of the Neighborhood Planning Assembly.
Steering Committees: Each Neighborhood Planning Assembly has a steering committee that is elected by the membership at large. The members of this committee are responsible for scheduling the meetings, setting the agendas, moderating the meetings, and making sure that everyone who wishes to, has an opportunity to speak. Steering Committee members also serve as contacts with City departments and other Neighborhood Planning Assemblies. The Steering Committee is responsible for recording the minutes of each meeting so that they are available for public inspection. Steering Committee members are elected by the Neighborhood Planning Assembly and generally serve for a one-year term
Agendas: Agendas are established and set by the Steering Committee with the participation of Neighborhood Planning Assembly membership. Any member of a Neighborhood Planning Assembly may request that an item be placed on the agenda for discussion. Open forum time is set aside at each meeting for members to freely express their views and concerns about the assembly or topics of public interest.
City of Burlington Community & Economic Development Office (CEDO): The Community & Economic Development Office in City Hall is responsible for displaying and maintaining NPA public records. NPA Steering Committee send CEDO their meeting agenda and meeting minutes to be warned and publicly posted to comply with Open Meeting Law.
What do they do?
Each of Burlington's neighborhoods has its own unique history, resources, and problems to be solved, and the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies reflect this diversity. Because many of the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies grew out of existing neighborhood groups, each has a different character and a different approach to resolving issues. However, the Neighborhood Planning Assemblies share the power and the resources of their members and the ability to involve people in the process of City government.
As active members of the Neighborhood Planning Assembly, residents have the power to influence public policy and work with others to bring about changes in the neighborhood and City.
Resolutions: NPAs influence public policy in several ways. One way NPAs express their sentiments and concerns about particular issues is in the form of resolutions. These resolutions are then distributed to the Mayor, City Councilors and appropriate City departments and commissions, ensuring that elected officials know what residents are thinking about particular issues before they make decisions. Neighborhood Planning Assembly resolutions are shared with Steering Committee members of other Neighborhood Planning Assemblies in order to keep each other informed about their opinions on issues or projects of public concern.
Community Development Block Grant fund allocation: Neighborhood Planning Assemblies also participate directly in the allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds by electing representatives to sit on the CDBG advisory board. CDBG funds are used to support many critical human services, housing, and neighborhood community development needs related to issues of poverty.
Presentation Requests:
To request a formal presentation with the NPAs on their agendas:
1. Click to download the NPA Presentation Request Form, and fill out the form. *All NPA meetings have public comments section to make short announcements that don't require a presentation request.
2. Send the presentation form via email directly to the Steering Committee members of the NPA you would like to present to (email contacts are located in the corresponding Ward pages)
While the NPAs encourage presentations, other agenda items and prior commitments for time may restrict them from adding additional presentation requests. They will make every effort to put you on their agenda if time permits. Please be patient and understanding if they are unable to accommodate you for the requested date or time. Thank you!
Contact CEDO to learn more about getting in touch with the appropriate NPA for you: 802-865-7172.
