Back to Community Engagement

Neighborhood Association Handbook

Neighborhood Associations are vital to building vibrant, connected, and thriving communities. Whether you're new to your area or a long-time resident, joining a neighborhood association is a powerful way to make a positive impact where you live. These pages are designed to inspire, inform, and guide you in becoming an active participant in your local neighborhood association.

Neighborhood Associations

There are 26 unique neighborhoods in West Allis, and eight neighborhood associations recognized by the Mayor and Common Council. Those neighborhood associations include:

What Neighborhood Associations Do

Neighborhood associations serve as a bridge between residents and local government, as well as a hub for community-driven initiatives. Some common activities include:

  • Advocacy: Represent the neighborhood in discussions with City officials and agencies. Advocate for improvements and address community concerns.

  • Events: Organize block parties, clean-up days, food or clothing drives, rummage sales, holiday gatherings, and more. Foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose with building meaningful relationships.

  • Beautification: Maintain parks, plant gardens, paint murals, install Little Free Libraries®, and improve public spaces. The City of West Allis partners with Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful to make organizing neighborhood clean-ups easy! Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful will loan clean-up materials to groups anytime between March 1 – Oct. 31 at no charge.

  • Safety Initiatives: Partner with City departments such as police, fire and health to learn about initiatives and resources available to residents.

  • Information Sharing: Keep residents informed about local news, opportunities, and resources.

Get Involved

Joining a neighborhood association is not just about meetings and agendas; its about creating a community where everyone feels at home. Your voice, ideas, and actions can help transform your neighborhood into a place that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all who live there.

  • Attend a meeting.

  • Volunteer for a project.

  • Join a committee.

  • Run for a leadership position.

  • Spread the word.

Starting a Neighborhood Association

Looking to start a neighborhood association in your area? We've broken it down into four steps:

  1. Talk to your neighbors to see if there is an interest in starting an association. Leverage social media, door-to-door conversations, or informal gatherings to gauge interest.

  2. Hold an informal meeting to discuss ideas. Consider a name, geographical boundaries and a contact person.

  3. Contact your alderperson or the City's Community Services Coordinator for guidance.

  4. Apply for formal recognition. Formal recognition allows neighborhood associations many benefits.

Tips for Making a Difference

  • Start Small: You don't need to commit to everything. Choose one area where you can contribute effectively.

  • Listen and Collaborate: Take time to understand your neighbors' perspectives and work together.

  • Be Consistent: Regular involvement, no matter how small, builds trust and impact over time.

  • Celebrate Successes: Highlight accomplishments to inspire continued participation and attract new members.

Benefits of Official Recognition with the City

There are many benefits to having your neighborhood association officially recognized with the City. Those benefits include:

  • Small grants program

  • Technical assistance and training

    • Guest speakers

    • Grant preparation and reporting consultation

    • Strategic planning

    • Leadership training opportunities

    • Communication assistance

  • Networks and supplies

    • Supply lending

      • One canopy light blue tent (10x10) with weights and back panel

      • One plastic folding table (8ft)

      • Two large coolers - can be filled (spout) or used to store ice/pre-packaged beverages

      • Two electric coffee percolators (30 cup)

      • 15 litter grabbers

      • 20-30 reflective vests

    • Meeting space

    • Fee waiver for neighborhood events and block parties

    • Discount on print services

    • Notification of significant neighborhood projects such as street reconstruction, park development, land use planning

    • Input on City initiatives

Neighborhood Leadership Alliance

The Neighborhood Leadership Alliance is an informal collective that meets monthly, with rotating hosts, times, and locations throughout West Allis. It is open to the leaders of neighborhood associations officially recognized by the City of West Allis, as well as those in the process of forming.

The Alliance provides a collaborative platform for sharing resources, exchanging best practices, discussing topics of common interest, and engaging subject matter experts for learning opportunities. In addition, the group works together to advocate for and influence City policies, collaborate on community projects and events, and enhance communication between neighborhoods.