Community Engagement & Empowerment

Create real, simple ways to participate—and then close the loop.

Strong cities are built with neighbors, not for them. Jesse’s plan makes participation easy, funds small resident-led projects, builds future leaders, and reports back on what changed because people spoke up.

Goals

  • Make it easy for every neighborhood to be heard and see follow-through.
  • Fund small, resident-led improvements that show results fast.
  • Grow local leaders—youth, parents, seniors, and small-biz owners.
  • Create regular two-way communication with simple on-ramps online and in person.

Key Commitments

Neighborhood Ambassador Program

  • Recruit ambassadors for each neighborhood & apartment community.
  • Monthly huddles with City Hall; share projects, timelines, and feedback.
  • Provide toolkits: contact sheets, reporting links, mini-grant how-to.

Kearns Improvement Projects (KIP)

  • Micro-grants ($500–$5k) for resident-led cleanups, lighting, murals, planters, benches.
  • Fast approval for low-risk projects; clear insurance/permit guidance.
  • Public gallery of funded projects with before/after photos.

Community Skills Exchange

  • Neighbors share skills (yard fixes, tech help, tutoring) via an opt-in directory.
  • Partner with schools, faith groups, and nonprofits for match-making.
  • Recognize volunteers quarterly; highlight success stories.

Leadership & Listening

  • Youth Council + Senior Advisory Council with real agenda items.
  • Quarterly town halls and topic roundtables (safety, small biz, parks).
  • “You Asked, We Did” updates after each engagement cycle.

Programs & Initiatives

Ambassador On-Ramp

Simple sign-up and orientation for neighborhood reps; clear expectations and direct contact to staff.

  • Monthly briefings + slide deck residents can reuse at HOA or block meetings.
  • Priority channel for reporting and tracking neighborhood issues.
Become an ambassador

KIP Micro-Grant Cycle

Two cycles a year with a fast application and mini-contract for materials + volunteer hours.

  • Criteria: benefit to public, feasibility, maintenance plan, neighbor support.
  • Backstop: city staff can help with procurement and risk review.
Ask about eligibility

Skills Exchange Directory

Opt-in listing with safety guidelines and matching through partner organizations.

  • Categories: home upkeep, tutoring, translation, rides to appointments, digital help.
  • Publish simple do’s/don’ts and a volunteer code of conduct.

Civics & Leadership Workshops

Short, practical trainings on project planning, grant writing, and working with the city.

  • Quarterly cohort format; certificates for completion.
  • Invite youth, seniors, and small-business owners.

Metrics & Reporting

Post progress on Open Kearns with plain-language summaries and maps where useful.

Participation

  • Ambassadors onboarded per neighborhood / apartments.
  • Town hall & roundtable attendance; diversity of participants.
  • Volunteer hours logged via Skills Exchange.

Outcomes

  • KIP projects completed; before/after impact photos.
  • Median time from idea → approval → completion.
  • Resident satisfaction and “Would you do it again?” scores.

* Targets set with staff and published with quarterly updates.

FAQs

How do I propose a KIP project?

Use a short online application during the cycle; we’ll help refine scope and materials and post decisions publicly.

Can renters participate?

Yes. Ambassadors and micro-grants are open to renters, owners, and businesses—everyone in Kearns can help improve their block.

Ready to roll up your sleeves?