The Neighborhood Connections Speakers Bureau drills down deeper into specific functions of county departments and connects residents with experts in particular areas of interest. The Bureau offers free presentations year-round on topics as broad and diverse as the community. We welcome requests from organizations to come and speak at their events or to schedule a special presentation at any of the six Manatee County Public Library locations. Simply fill out the Speaker Request Form or call us to set up a meeting.
Neighborhood Planning: How Can We Help Your Neighborhood
We’re your county government liaisons who can help your neighborhood realize its potential through our many services:
- Manatee County Ambassadors Program
- Neighborhood Connections
- Project 411 & Project Outreach
- Neighborhood Wellness Strategy
- How to start a Neighborhood Association
- ABCD Neighborhood Analysis
Ambassador Program
Navigating Manatee County’s Departments and Services
A 90-minute presentation that briefly reviews all county departments and their functions. Presenter highlights some of the most frequently used county resources along with the structural breakdown of Manatee County Government.
- Learn briefly about the services available to residents from all 11 county departments -Find out the best way to request services via phone, computer, and mobile app -Go back out into your community educated and prepared to share your knowledge of county services with your neighborhood
- Most suited for a community seeking a better understanding of what services the county can provide
Citizen Academy
A long-long term, project-based program that partners county staff with community leaders to solve community issues. The program is taught in three sessions and focuses on action items and goals as they relate to a specific project. Residents submit their idea for a project to be considered for the class. This group based learning environment allows different communities to see the work others are doing and to brainstorm ideas together.
1-on-1 program
Our 1-on-1 program gives residents access to staff in a personal setting and allows the focus to be on specific issues important to the individual. Through the use of 1-on-1 meetings, county staff can better understand the issues a community is facing and may be able to brainstorm some ways to progress. Residents can request 1-on-1 meetings at County offices or on-site in their community.
Effective use of Social Media for Your Neighborhood
- Learn how to create, manage, and promote your page
- Discover how to create and find content that will highlight your community
- Find out best practices and ways to grow your outreach
- Use Social media to coordinate meetings and hold topic discussions
Infrastructure
- Learn about the different county processes for maintaining and installing infrastructure.
- Find out how to make a request for maintenance using the mobile app
- Get connected with the various public works divisions
- Learn about the different types of assessment projects and learn how to effectively get community buy-in for requested projects.
- Learn how to develop a strategy for requesting infrastructure improvements in your community.
- Suited for the community seeking infrastructure maintenance and improvements.
How to Create a Neighborhood Association
Part 1: The Benefits of a neighborhood association & how to get started
For those communities without formal leadership (homeowner’s association) or informal leadership (neighborhood association), learn how to develop a neighborhood association to bring your community together.
- The benefits of starting a neighborhood association
- Gaining neighborhood support
- Developing your elevator speech
Part 2: The First Neighborhood Association Meeting
For those communities without formal leadership (homeowner’s association) or informal leadership (neighborhood association), learn how to develop a neighborhood association to bring your community together.
- Creating flyers
- Setting the agenda
- Deciding on the time, location, and day
- Setting goals for the first meeting
- Determine the best way to communicate with neighbors
Part 3: Ensuring a Sustainable Neighborhood association
For those communities without formal leadership (homeowner’s association) or informal leadership (neighborhood association), learn how to develop a neighborhood association to bring your community together.
- How to keep the NA from fizzling out
- Learn how to establish projects and goals
- Schedule presentations by needs
- Develop the structure of the NA
Keep Your Neighborhood Connected
Is your neighborhood looking for ways to stay connected with one another? This discussion will highlight some popular methods neighborhoods around the region share information among their neighbors.
- Determine the best communication methods for your neighborhood
- Learn how to sign up on Nextdoor
- Newsletters and best practices
- Postcards, Notices, & Signage
- Neighborhood Connections
- Project 411 & Project Outreach
Neighborhood Enhancement Grant
The purpose of this grant program is to strengthen neighborhood associations and the communities which they serve. Learn more about this reimbursement grant and how your neighborhood can utilize it to enhance the character, health, safety, leadership, and environment within your neighborhood.