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.

Click here to view the Neighborhood Association Ordinance — Approved August 2, 2022

A Neighborhood Association is an organized group of residents who work together to represent the interests of their neighborhood. Effective neighborhood associations build stronger communities through advocacy and by organizing activities within their neighborhoods.

If your neighborhood would like to apply to be a Recognized Neighborhood Association (RNA), click here for the RNA Application.

Current Recognized Neighborhood Associations

 San Jacinto Neighborhood - Recognized November 8, 2022

Barrio Neighborhood- Recognized January 31, 2023

North Heights Neighborhood - Recognized June 27, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the RNA program do?

• Formally recognizes the partnership between the City and the neighborhood association as the one and official partner for coordination on neighborhood plan projects and other initiatives such as grants.
• Increases communication between the City and neighborhood associations.
• Helps neighborhood associations understand how to navigate local government and be active participants in the process. 

What are the benefits of forming a Neighborhood Association? 

• Builds stronger relationships and pride among neighbors
• Creates an organized and unified voice to city government
• 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.Is there a fee?
• There is no fee to apply for Recognition.

What are the benefits to being a recognized Neighborhood Association?

• Direct contact with Neighborhood Services as liaison to other City Departments
• City notices of planning applications for re-zoning, special permits, etc. Invitations to City activities, programs and community meetings
• Eligibility for programs to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods (ex. Neighborhood Improvement Program)

Are neighborhoods required to participate?

• If you have a neighborhood plan adopted as part of Amarillo’s comprehensive plan, you will be required to meet the eligibility criteria through an application process  in year one and then renew your application each year. Other neighborhoods may also become Recognized provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
  
  

 What is the eligibility criteria?

1. Be governed by a board of directors with a minimum of seven members in regular attendance. The composition of the board shall include at least one representative of each of the following types of members: resident; property owner; non-profit/institutional/educational; neighborhood business owner; and at-large providing expertise in other priority areas as identified by the organization such as finance, historic preservation, marketing, etc.
   
   
2. Maintain open membership to any person who lives, rents, or owns any real property in the neighborhood.
   
   
3. Be an organized entity recognized by the Texas Secretary of State through the filing of a Certificate of Formation and abiding by adopted bylaws.
   
   
4. Establish and maintain 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status as a tax-exempt, charitable organization approved by the Internal Revenue Service.
    
5. Hold an annual meeting at which all members vote.
   
   
6. Hold regularly scheduled board of directors' meetings at which business is conducted in an organized manner following best practices for meeting procedures.
   
   
7. Hold regularly scheduled community meetings and/or events  at which all members are invited to participate in ongoing neighborhood initiatives.
   
   
8. Post notice of all meetings in advance in public places and in readily obtained online and print publications.
   
   
9. Have clearly stated boundaries.
   
   
10. Not discriminate in policies, recommendations or actions.
    
    
11. Follow a strategic plan of work demonstrating active engagement in projects that improve neighborhood quality of life (this refers to annual action items  such as the Projects in Motion top ten list, rather than  the long range neighborhood plan document).

*PIDs and Homeowners Associations are not eligible at this time. The program is intended to support Amarillo's older neighborhoods.

Can multiple organizations be Recognized within the same neighborhood boundary?

• No. Recognition of neighborhoods with overlapping boundaries is not allowed.

Contact our Neighborhood Planner, Chris Jackson with any additional questions 806-378-5255