Roanoke is a city of neighborhoods and strong civic participation. The city motto “You’re Always Home in Roanoke” was taken to heart by citizens and city leaders when they developed Roanoke’s Vision 2001-2020 Comprehensive Plan. Plan goals include building strong sustainable neighborhoods, reducing the concentration of low-income housing and poverty in city neighborhoods, providing a diversity of housing choices, spurring the development of market-rate and upper-end housing, and eliminating substandard housing and blighted conditions. Specific plans include the development of the housing strategic plan, village centers, specific neighborhood plans, marketing, downtown living, and incentive programs to attract persons to live and work within the city of Roanoke.

The Department of Neighborhood Services exists to help the City of Roanoke achieve its goal of building strong sustainable neighborhoods. This city department manages the Neighborhood Leadership College, which educates and trains neighborhood leaders in city services and community organizing to become a resource for their neighbors. The department also operates the city’s Citizen Service Center, a “hot line” for civic information and for making connections and referrals between citizen needs and departmental services.

A standing committee—Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates—is appointed by City Council to advise and comment on existing and proposed public policy affecting the vitality of neighborhoods and neighborhood organizations. This committee informs neighborhood organizations about existing and proposed public policy and the courses of action available. It helps neighborhood groups build their organizational, administrative and advocacy capacities. It educates the public about policy implications for neighborhoods and, where appropriate, advocates for policy and implementation alternatives. It oversees preparation of an annual State of the Neighborhoods report to the City Council and oversees the administration of CDBG and general fund grants to recognized neighborhood organizations.