The city is offering a training opportunity to encourage resident leadership, and involvement in Neighborhood Planning Councils, as part of the Byrne Innovation Grant.
The training aims to develop and expand the resident leadership base in the city, and equip leaders with skills to direct change in the community.
“We hope this training inspires every neighbor to use the tools we provide, and take action to better Battle Creek,” said Kelly Dillman, the city’s community engagement and outreach liaison.
The training will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. this Monday, Feb. 26, at the city’s Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall St. Those interested in attending should contact Dillman at 269-966-3416 or kldillman@battlecreekmi.gov by 10 a.m. on Monday.
Anyone interested in learning more about the city’s Neighborhood Planning Councils, or furthering their involvement in community leadership, is encouraged to attend. NPCs are groups of citizens from the same residential area who meet to discuss issues and concerns in their neighborhoods.
The city was awarded the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The purpose of the grant is to improve connections between law enforcement, community-based organizations, and citizens, to identify and influence the conditions that foster violent crime, and for grant participants to create and carry out strategies that result in crime reduction and safer neighborhoods.
City Police and Community Services Department staff, among others, are carrying out this work.