The City of Tallahassee (City) is comprised of vibrant neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods and their residents are the foundation of who we are as a city. The City is committed to strengthening its neighborhoods and providing neighborhood leaders with the resources and support they need to work with their neighbors. One component of this ongoing commitment is the recognition of the programs and initiatives that neighborhood leaders and residents undertake to improve and enrich the quality of life within their neighborhoods, as well as the partnerships they have established with the City and other community partners to accomplish these projects.

The City’s Neighborhood Awards Program highlights and recognizes the outstanding work being done by neighborhood leaders and residents and expresses appreciation for residents’ involvement in enriching the city and engaging their neighbors. The Neighborhood Awards Program embraces the distinct qualities and traditions of the neighborhoods while also encouraging creative engagement specific to the various neighborhoods. For several years now, the City has hosted the annual Neighborhood Awards recognition ceremony, which includes the Neighborhood of the Year, Neighbor of the Year, and Best Neighborhood Programs.

Recipients of the Neighborhood of the Year Award will receive an award sign to display in their respective neighborhoods. Previous winners will receive a sign blade which will be affixed to their existing Neighborhood of the Year sign. For the 2025 awards program, a cash prize of $500 will be provided to the winners of Neighborhood of the Year to fund a neighborhood program or project. Recipients of Neighbor of the Year and Best Neighborhood Programs awards will receive award plaques.

Outstanding Neighbor of the Year Awards

Any resident who has facilitated improvement(s) in his/her neighborhood and/or any other neighborhood within the City of Tallahassee in the past year (2024) is eligible to be nominated. The Neighbor of the Year Award includes two categories:

• Neighborhood Advocacy - This award recognizes a neighborhood leader or resident who has demonstrated strong advocacy and diligence in advancing policies, programs, projects and/or initiatives to improve the quality of life for a single neighborhood or entire community. .
• Neighborliness - This award recognizes a neighborhood leader or resident who embodies the spirit of neighborliness, taking care of others, providing neighborhood/community services, and/or helping with efforts within or beyond their neighborhood that promotes community and unity.

Neighborhood of the Year Awards

Any City of Tallahassee neighborhood/homeowners’ association that facilitated improvement(s) in its community, actively engaged residents in community building and bonding activities, and/or was involved in the civic aspect of the City in the past year (2024) is eligible to be nominated. The Neighborhood of the Year Award includes two categories:

• Small Neighborhood of the Year - Neighborhoods with fewer than 200 homes
• Large Neighborhood of the Year - Neighborhood with more than 200 homes

Best Neighborhood Programs of the Year Awards

Any City of Tallahassee neighborhood/homeowners’ association that facilitated and/or completed projects that improved their neighborhoods in the past year (2024) is eligible to be nominated. The focus is on the physical aspects of a neighborhood, social or cultural aspects of a neighborhood, and/or communication outreach efforts to bring the neighborhood together. The Best Neighborhood Programs Award is given in three categories:

• Best Physical Neighborhood Improvement - This award category recognizes outstanding projects that enhance the physical aspects of a neighborhood (i.e., parks, lighting, litter control, traffic management, housing improvements, etc.).
• Best Social Neighborhood Improvement - This award category recognizes outstanding projects that enhance the social or cultural aspects of a neighborhood (i.e., safety, youth and/or senior programs, programs that foster teamwork and connections, etc.).
• Best Neighborhood Communication - This award category highlights excellence and creativity in neighborhood-oriented publications, communication, and/or outreach activities. This award may also recognize neighborhood groups that are diligent about notifying residents, promoting their organization, and/or communicating with members via printed material and/or social media.

2023 City of Tallahassee Neighborhood Award Winners

Local State Farm Agent Gayla Parks provided co-sponsorship support for this year's awards program. See a recap of the event on our YouTube channel.

For more information about the City's Neighborhood Awards Program and available neighborhood resources, visit Talgov.com/Neighborhoods.