- CONTACT INFORMATION
- cityplanning@amarillo.gov
- 806-378-6290
-
Planning Department
Simms Municipal Building
Second Floor
808 S. Buchanan
P.O. Box 1971
Amarillo, TX 79101 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Interactive Neighborhood Plan Map
Click here to discover more about our Neighborhood Plan areas.
about neighborhood plans
Neighborhood plans are an important part of the City’s long-range planning efforts and are used to encourage revitalization of older and underserved areas. The plans create incremental change through targeting public investment, connecting community partners, and attracting private investment.
Neighborhood planners work with community members and associations to develop area-specific plans which are adopted as amendments to the Amarillo Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Department provides project implementation support to neighborhoods and staffs the Neighborhood Planning Oversight Committee.
If you have a Neighborhood Association or are interested in forming one, download the Neighborhood Association Toolkit.
Adopted Neighborhood Plans
For questions about Neighborhood Plans, Contact our Neighborhood Planner, Chris Jackson at 806-378-5255.
Neighborhood Planning Initiative
This initiative was created through an interlocal agreement in 2016 by the City and Potter County to help revitalize some of Amarillo’s older neighborhoods through the development of area-specific plans. Throughout the planning process, the City and neighborhoods collaborate to identify concerns, opportunities, a vision, goals, and project priorities. Completed plans are adopted as amendments to the Amarillo Comprehensive Plan and neighborhood planning staff continue to assist neighborhood associations with project implementation after adoption. The four participating neighborhoods are North Heights, Barrio, San Jacinto, and Eastridge.
In Amarillo, neighborhood associations play an important role in the Neighborhood Planning Initiative by overseeing implementation of the adopted plans. By meeting certain organizational criteria, they become recognized by the City of Amarillo as the official partner for plan implementation. Known as the Recognized Neighborhood Association Program, the partnership ensures a mutual commitment to the neighborhood plan goals. Other neighborhoods may also become Recognized provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
For additional information, check out the Interlocal Agreement for Neighborhood Planning
Neighborhood Planning FAQs
What is the purpose of a neighborhood plan?
Neighborhood plans in Amarillo broadly address the opportunities and challenges identified by area residents, property owners, business owners and other stakeholders. Typically this includes land use, economic development and redevelopment, infrastructure, clean and safe strategies, housing, transportation and circulation, history and culture, and community-building initiatives.
Is there funding for neighborhood plan projects?
The process of creating the plans is funded by the City and Potter County.
Implementation funds come from a variety of sources including bond funds, the City’s CIP (Community Investment Program), grants, donations, and other private sector sources.
The 2016 Proposition #1 Bond Election included approximately $2.6 million for the Neighborhood Planning Initiative. In early 2022, the City was able to convert the funding to unrestricted cash so that the money could be spent on a wider variety of projects. Each neighborhood association is responsible for deciding how these funds are spent in coordination with City staff and the Neighborhood Plan Oversight Committee.
Are other neighborhoods eligible?
Yes, the City and County have determined that the 2016 agreement will be extended.
What is the Neighborhood Planning Oversight Committee?
The Neighborhood Planning Oversight Committee was created in 2016 to oversee the Neighborhood Planning Initiative interlocal agreement. It is comprised of two City Council members and two Potter County Commissioners. Currently serving on the committee are: Mayor Cole Stanley and Councilmember Les Simpson, as representatives of the City; and, Commissioners John Coffee and Warren Coble, as representatives of Potter County. The Committee meets the third Thursday of each month.
How are neighborhood projects funded?
A variety of funding opportunities are available to assist with neighborhood planning efforts. In general, there are two sources.
- Public Funds
Recognized Neighborhood Associations
What is a recognized neighborhood association?
Can my neighborhood become a recognized neighborhood association?
If your neighborhood would like to apply to become a Recognized Neighborhood Association (RNA), you must complete and return the RNA Application.
What neighborhoods are currently recognized in the City of Amarillo?
San Jacinto, the Barrio, Eastridge, and North Heights are currently a part of the recognized neighborhood associations.
What are the benefits of forming a Neighborhood Association?
Neighborhood associations build stronger relationships and pride among neighbors, creates an organized and unified voice to city government, and empowers residents to identify community needs and initiate positive change.
How do neighborhoods become Recognized?
Neighborhoods must meet certain eligibility criteria that ensures that they are running transparent, organized associations that are open to all residents, business owners and property owners within their boundaries. They must demonstrate their eligibility through an application process and are then Recognized by a resolution adopted by City Council.
How much does it cost become Recognized?
There is no cost to the neighborhood association.
What are the eligibility criteria?
To be eligible, an organization must:
- Have a board of at least seven members, including representatives from residents, property owners, nonprofits, businesses, and other experts.
- Offer open membership to anyone living, renting, or owning property in the neighborhood.
- Be officially recognized by the Texas Secretary of State with a Certificate of Formation and adhere to its bylaws.
- Maintain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as a tax-exempt, charitable organization.
- Hold an annual meeting for all members to vote and conduct regular board meetings following best practices.
- Organize community meetings/events for member participation in neighborhood initiatives.
- Provide advance public notice of all meetings.
- Have clearly defined boundaries.
- Ensure non-discriminatory policies and actions.
- Follow a strategic plan focused on improving neighborhood quality of life.
Can PIDs and Homeowners Associations apply?
PIDs and Homeowners Associations are not eligible at this time. The program is intended to support Amarillo’s older neighborhoods.
How can I get more information about neighborhood plans and associations?
Contact our Neighborhood Planner with any additional questions by calling 806-378-5255.
Projects in Motion
Tracking Progress in the Plan Areas
Projects developed with some amount of public funds are identified. It also includes neighborhood association projects that may not be funded through public sources.
How do I submit for a neighborhood project?
If you are interested in learning more about submitting a project for consideration, check out our Neighborhood Toolkit, and complete the Project in Motion Form.
North Heights - Adopted January 2017
| Name | Date | Description | Investment Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inn of Amarillo | 2017 | Asbestos abatement and demolition for the North Heights Linen Service site. | $780,000 |
| Warford Activity Center | 2018 | Reconstruction of the former North Branch YMCA into an activity center with a gym, pool, wellness and education rooms, and a kitchen facility. | $2.5MM |
| Travis and 17th Duplexes | 2018 | Development of new duplexes utilizing HOME funds. | $840,000 |
| Waterline Extension Project | 2018 | Extension to serve new duplex construction near NW 12th St. and Jefferson St. | $25,000 |
| Seal Coat | 2019 | All neighborhood streets received a new seal coat during the Northwest Quadrant project. | $1.73MM |
| Annual Water Main Replacement Project | 2019 | Part of a citywide initiative, 2″ water lines allow for more pressure, better fire protection coverage, and additional fire hydrants. | $540,000 |
| If Walls Could Talk: North Heights Art Project | 2019 | This art show celebrated important historical locations in North Heights, artists interpreted those sites through a variety of mediums. | NA |
| North Heights Linen Service | 2020 | North Heights Linen Service is a worker-owned cooperative to serve local and regional linen needs for hospitals. Financed locally and supported by multiple nonprofit organizations. | $5MM |
| Historic North Heights Street Sign Toppers | 2020 | Installation of “Historic North Heights” sign toppers throughout the neighborhood plan area. | $7,500 |
| Bus Shelters and Streetscape Improvements | 2020 | Installation of bus shelters with benches along Route 12 that will also serve children waiting for the school bus. Sidewalks will be improved including the installation of ADA ramps. Shelter locations include NW 18th/Hughes, NW 18th/Bonham and NW 18th at the Warford. | $100,000 estimate |
| Neighborhood Leadership Grant | 2020 | Grant funds used for an ongoing Elderly Lawn Care Initiative, short-term Food and Learning Manipulative and Back to School Initiative during COVID-19. | $5,000 |
| Thompson Park Pool Replacement | 2020 | Thompson Park Pool was replaced with a state of the art aquatics facility which re-opened in May 2021. | $7.9MM |
| North Heights Emergency Repair Grant | 2022 | A portion of the neighborhood plan funding is provided to supplement the City’s existing ERG program for homeowners in need in North Heights. | $25,000 |
| Park Improvements | 2022 | Replacement of Playground at Hines Memorial Park | $144,360 |
| Park Improvements | 2022 | Replacement of Playground at Mary Hazelrigg Park | $149,964 |
| Creative Crosswalks | 2023 | Seven colorful crosswalks representing neighborhood themes will be installed near schools and parks. | $50,000 |
| Warford Activity Center Improvements | 2023 | Conversion of after-school area to senior services area. | $32,608 |
| Creative Crosswalks | 2023 | Seven colorful crosswalks installed near the schools with mascots and messages of neighborhood pride (completed Summer 2024). | $77,300 |
| Streetlights | 2025 | Twenty new streetlights will be installed in select areas. | $100,000 |
Barrio - Adopted October 2018
| Name | Date | Description | Investment Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal Coat | 2016 | All neighborhood streets received a new seal coat during the Northeast Quadrant project. | $740,000 |
| Barrio History Book and Map | 2018 | “Amarillo Barrio Historical District: Past, Present & Future” documented the rich history of El Barrio; the books were sold as a fundraiser. | NA |
| SE 10th Ave Underpass Mural | 2019 | The mural welcomes everyone to El Barrio and connects the neighborhood to downtown. | $55,000 |
| Let’s Art Amarillo: The Barrio Project | 2020 | This art show celebrated important historical locations in the Barrio, artists interpreted those sites through a variety of mediums. | NA |
| SE 10th Ave Underpass Lighting | 2020 | Installation of lighting to enhance the mural and provide a safer environment for pedestrians. | $14,000 |
| Neighborhood Leadership Grant | 2020 | BNPC directed their grant funds to a project called “Beautify the Barrio” where they purchased power washers and will pay residents for beautification work. | $5,000 |
| Barrio Street Sign Toppers | 2020 | Installation of sixty street sign toppers in locations selected by the sponsors as a fundraiser for the BNPC. | $2,800 |
| Barrio Welcome Signs | 2020 | Installation of nine welcome signs at gateways to the Barrio completed as a fundraiser for the BNPC. | $1,600 |
| La Plazita Park | 2022 | Private plaza installed for food trucks, events and markets. The plaza is being completed to show progress while the streetscape improvements are designed, bid and ultimately constructed in 2023/24. | $250,000 |
| Barrio SE 10th Ave Streetscape | 2024 | A public improvement project to transform the SE 10th Ave Corridor between Garfield and Ross with new sidewalks, street trees, landscaping, lighting and benches. | $6MM |
San Jacinto - Adopted March 2020
| Name | Date | Description | Investment Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal Coat | 2019 | All neighborhood streets received a new seal coat during the Northwest Quadrant project. | $1.48MM |
| Annual 2″ Water Main Replacement Project | 2019 | Areas of San Jacinto were identified for this annual water line replacement project. | $266,000 |
| Neighborhood Leadership Grant | 2020 | SJNA used their grant funds for non-profit status, marketing, and membership activities. | $5,000 |
| Route 66 Water Tower | 2021 | Painting the Route 66 emblem on the 6th Street water tower | $18,000 + $1MM (CIP) |
| San Jacinto Arts Project on Route 66 | 2021 | This art show celebrated important historical locations in San Jacinto, artists interpreted those sites through a variety of mediums. | NA |
| Pave the Way Sidewalk Cost-Share Program | 2022 | This new program covers up to 100% of sidewalk repair and reconstruction costs for eligible residential properties. It is designed to assist low-income homeowners and is coordinated with a dead tree removal project. | $200,000 |
| Dead Tree Removal | 2022 | Dead trees located in the City’s right-of-way will be removed throughout the neighborhood at no cost to the property owner. | $100,000 |
| Creative Crosswalks | 2023 | Creative crosswalks designed by neighborhood elementary students will be installed at Belleview and Line and Carolina and 3rd St intersections. | $30,000 |
| Community Office and General Gathering Space (COGGS) | 2023 | Lease space to host community events, classes, and connect neighborhood residents to other area non-profits. Located at 202 S. Louisiana near San Jacinto Park. | $12,000 annually |
Eastridge - Adopted April 2022
| Name | Date | Description | Investment Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seal Coat | 2018 | All neighborhood streets received a new seal coat during the Northeast Quadrant project. | $1.4MM |
| Monthly Clean-Ups | 2022 | The first Project in Motion for Eastridge, these monthly events place multiple roll-off containers at the park for community members to place bulky items regularly. It is also coordinated with education on curbside pick-up and a special email so that residents can send a message in their native language. | NA |
| Communication Board | 2023 | A new community bulletin board designed for communication in multiple languages so residents can regularly rely on community information in the same location. | NA |
| Street Lighting | 2023 | Approximately 50 new LED streetlights will be installed in residential areas. | $200,000 |
| NE 24th Overpass | Ongoing | The City was awarded a Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant of $8.4MM to build a multi-modal overpass at the BNSF tracks on NE 24th in June 2023 implementing one of the high priority infrastructure recommendations from the plan. | $11.4MM |