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FALCON HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES _g_ October 27, 2004 POLICY AGENDA Report from Neighborhood Commission Jenna Washnieski (continued) All attendees were of the middle or older age categories, homeowners, and agreed to have a social event yearly. Also, 88% of program attendees had a Bachelor's degree or higher, reported that they know many people in their neighborhood, and know their Neighborhood Liaison. Conclusion Emergency preparedness efforts in Falcon Heights appear to take two forms: Organized trainings and informal neighboring behaviors. Both build social capital, encourage sense of community, and serve to protect residents from negative consequences of disasters. The most important step Falcon Heights can take to involve more residents in emergency preparedness is to increase their promotion of the Neighborhood Liaison program. Neighborhood Liaisons have proven to be vital for enhancing perception of social connectivity, engaging the least socially connected groups of the population, and publicizing community events. By simply expanding the social • network in the city's neighborhoods, more residents will be exposed to neighborhood resources, including emotional, informational, and instrumental resources. Other communities can learn valuable strategies for community organizing by looking at the model Falcon Heights currently has in action. Through the development of the Neighborhood Commission, the various neighborhoods in the city have been provided with greater opportunities to share their ideas and voice their concerns, which ultimately contribute to the city's social capital. The strong sense of community and wealth of social capital in Falcon Heights puts the city in a position to effectively mobilize around issues such as emergency preparedness. Providing residents with opportunities to play an integral role in community decision-making and devoting special attention to strengthening neighborhood social networks are two key strategies other communities should use for enhancing their emergency preparedness infrastructure. Recommendations Based upon the responses from Falcon Heights residents in this needs assessment, the following recommendations were made to the Neighborhood Commission: ^ Increase presence and awareness of Neighborhood Liaisons Only slightly over one-quarter of the respondents reported that they know their Neighborhood Liaison. This beneficial program is not being recognized and has the potential to influence social connectivity and program participation, especially in the least socially connected sub-groups of • the population. Liaisons should attempt to increase awareness of their presence in their neighborhoods and facilitate more opportunities for neighbors to interact. 8