This structure was created in 1974 as part of a formal "Citizen Participation Program" designed to improve communication between residents and city leaders.
Neighborhood associations are routinely consulted on matters related to zoning changes, liquor licenses, economic development, and city services.
Neighborhoods are also granted discretionary funds from the city's budget to use for capital improvements and for non-capital projects and events.
Each neighborhood's officers meet with their peers to form Community Advisory Committees which are granted broader powers over city departments.
The presidents of these committees, in turn, form the Citizen's Advisory Board, which meets regularly with the mayor, council, and department heads.