*This is a special feature from the City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
Last October, a crowd of nearly 200 people congregated at San José City Hall for the Second Annual Neighborhoods Conference. Groups of neighborhood leaders and residents from all across San José filled the rooms and attentively listened to panels and participated in workshops.

BeautifySJ’s new Neighborhood Engagement Model aims to assist residents in more effectively utilizing City resources to improve community outcomes. In short, BeautifySJ wants to empower residents as they improve quality of life in their neighborhoods.

A few weeks ago, BeautifySJ facilitated its first Neighborhood Forum, which built on the energy felt at last fall’s conference. Forum topics focused on neighborhood safety and neighborhood leaders had the opportunity to speak directly with the San José Police Department about issues important to them.

“The more these kinds of forums are held, the more we can participate and get educated on City services but the City can also learn from the community,” said Victoria from the Japantown Neighborhood Association.

Engaging in meaningful conversations with residents is central to BeautifySJ.

The next Neighborhood Forum will be held on Saturday, March 22 and will feature one of the most productive workshops from the Neighborhoods Conference: the Neighborhood Learning Circle.

The Neighborhood Learning Circle gives community members from diverse neighborhoods the opportunity to come together to talk face-to-face and share their lived experiences with each other and City staff.

Spaces like Neighborhood Learning Circles not only allow residents to connect directly with each other and build important relationships, but it also allows BeautifySJ to hear directly from community members about issues important to them.

Facilitating meaningful conversations with residents who are driving change in their own neighborhoods is essential to BeautifySJ’s mission. BeautifySJ is committed to supporting residents in their efforts to beautify their neighborhoods and create a cleaner and more vibrant San José.

Facilitating conversations is key to PRNS director Jon Cicirelli, seated far left. He is joined by Housing Director Erik Soliván (center) and Assistant to the City Manager Erik Jensen (right).

The future of San José lies in the future of its neighborhoods. The kinship and connection that is built within these communities holds the power to connect residents in new and innovative ways. Getting to know your neighbors and building connections with them is perhaps one of the most important things to do when creating change in your community.

“When we know what our role is we can do better. This forum is a reminder of what I can do for my city and neighborhood. It’s beautiful when we come together and connect to do better,” said Martha from the Guadalupe Washington Neighborhood Association.

Want to be part of the change in your neighborhood and not sure where to begin? Start with what’s close, both physically and in sentiment. Get to know your neighbors and together you can help beautify your community. Do you have a local neighborhood association? Join it!

If not, consider starting one for your neighborhood. If you notice illegal dumping or graffiti, call 311 to report it. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods beautiful and #BSJProud of our communities.

If you would like to learn more about BeautifySJ, please visit beautifysj.org.

The ActivateSJ Strategic Plan is the City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) plan to maintain, improve and expand our facilities, programs, and services. The plan guides how we care for and develop a diverse park system and an abundance of recreation programs and services for all in San José.

ActivateSJ’s mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. To learn more about our department’s plan and vision to move forward, visit activatesj.org.