The word "Nia" translates to "Purpose" in Swahili, and is a core principle of Kwanzaa, encouraging both individuals and communities to find and pursue collective goals. Rooted in the tradition of communal growth, the program will serve as a platform for residents to contribute to neighborhood development projects, fostering collaboration and progress throughout the city.
NIA (Knee-Ah) is open to all city residents, and neighborhood and local organizations. This initiative encourages participation from everyone who is passionate about making Rochester a more connected city whose residents are involved in improving their neighborhoods.
As part of the NIA initiative, neighborhood organizations and residents will have access to City resources and small grants to support community-driven projects. By encouraging active participation, the City seeks to strengthen connections among neighbors and build a more vibrant, united Rochester.
To create the program, the City is asking for input from community members via a survey and four in-person, public meetings at which residents can learn about the initiative and share personal insights about the needs of their neighborhoods.
To create the program, the City is asking for input from community members via a survey and four in-person, public meetings at which residents can learn about the initiative and share personal insights about the needs of their neighborhoods.
Take the online survey! Your feedback will help us design a program that meets the needs of our neighborhoods.
As part of the NIA initiative, neighborhood organizations and residents will have access to City resources and small grants to support community-driven projects.
As part of the NIA initiative, neighborhood organizations and residents will have access to City resources and small grants to support community-driven projects.
As part of the NIA initiative, neighborhood organizations and residents will have access to City resources and small grants to support community-driven projects.
NIA is inspired by the success of the Neighbors Building Neighborhoods (NBN) program launched in 1996 by former Mayor William A. Johnson Jr., NIA builds on a rich legacy of collaboration between citizens and the City. NBN became a nationally recognized model that sparked hundreds of impactful projects, from neighborhood beautification to crime prevention.