Emerald Valley is at its best when every resident feels they belong here, whether you’ve lived on the same street for forty years or unpacked your first box last week. We know that a sense of belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It grows from shared spaces, welcoming traditions, and opportunities to know the people around us. That’s why the Town of Emerald Valley is inviting residents, community groups, local businesses, and youth to propose programs that help more people feel at home here. Ideas can be big or small: a neighborhood potluck series, a mentorship program pairing longtime residents with newcomers, multilingual welcome resources, intergenerational activities, accessible gathering spaces, or something no one has thought of yet.

Once the submission window closes, every proposal will be read and organized into themes by a review team made up of town staff and resident volunteers. Ideas will then be shared publicly so the whole community can see what was submitted, and residents will be invited to weigh in on which proposals resonate most. The review team will consider that feedback alongside feasibility, cost, and how many people each idea could reach. A summary of recommended programs will be presented at a public Town Council meeting, where residents can offer comments before any final decisions are made. Even ideas that aren’t selected right away will be kept on file and may inform future planning, partnerships, or grant applications.

We will report back on what happens with your ideas at each step, because transparency is part of building trust and belonging, too. Thank you for helping make Emerald Valley a place where everyone feels welcome, seen, and connected.