Neighborhood Conference

2026 Neighborhood Conference Logo

"Block by Block" - Saturday, April 11, 2026!

The fourth annual Neighborhood Conference is free and open to the public. 
Light breakfast and lunch provided. 

  • Date: Saturday, April 11, 2025 
  • Time: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Location:
    • The Greater Dayton School
      171 Deeds Park Dr.
      Dayton, OH 45404

Register online at the link below:

Neighborhood Conference Registration

Conference Schedule

TimeEvent
8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.On-Site Registration/Check-In & Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.Welcoming Remarks
9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.Break
9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.Concurrent Session A
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Resource Fair
11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.Break
11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Concurrent Session B
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.Lunch & Panel Discussion
Connecting People, Place and Purpose: Rethinking Community Engagement
KeAnna M. Daniel, Caitlin Jacob, Tracy Sibbing, Marcy Walker

Ongoing Activities

TimeEvent
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Collaborative Art Project
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Neighborhood Map Activity

Session A 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

A1 - Responding Effectively to Conflict

Ongoing conflict can erode trust, fuel negative assumptions, and create destructive communication cycles. This workshop helps participants recognize and interrupt these patterns through self-awareness and practical exercises. Grounded in Transformative Conflict Theory, it teaches Empowerment and Recognition strategies to foster constructive dialogue, moral grounding, and more effective responses to difficult conversations and relationship endings.

A2 - Safe Streets Dayton: A Roadmap to Eliminating Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries

This presentation will discuss the strategies being developed to make City streets safer for everyone. Come learn how data, design, and community input are guiding Dayton’s plan to prevent crashes and save lives.

A3 - Discover Neighborhood Funding - Mini Grant 1 on 1

Did you know the City of Dayton invests over $100,000 annually to support neighborhood-led projects and events? We invite you to explore this premier funding opportunity and discover how your community can benefit. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process to secure up to $10,000 in mini-grant support for your next initiative.

A4 - Growing Stronger Neighborhoods Together

Participants will learn about the Montgomery County Land Bank's Welcome Home Ohio program and be invited to discuss how organizations are seeking to strengthen our Dayton neighborhoods through housing development.

A5 - Growing Opportunity Where You Live: City of Dayton Economic Development 

Learn about the City of Dayton’s latest development projects and what’s to come! Explore how Dayton supports economic growth at the neighborhood level and what services and resources the Division of Economic Development provides to businesses and new entrepreneurs.

A6 - Many Voices, Stronger Neighborhoods

Strong communities are built when everyone has a seat at the table and a voice in decisions. This session explores strategies for recruiting diverse participation in neighborhood groups and organizations while ensuring residents, families, and community members have meaningful influence in shaping programs, policies, and the future of their neighborhoods.

Session B 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

B1 - AdaptDayton - A Community-Driven Update of the City’s Zoning Code, Land Uses & Engagement Processes

Participants will learn about and engage in the City of Dayton’s Planning Division initiative called AdaptDayton – a comprehensive review of the City’s zoning regulations, zoning map, and engagement efforts. This is a multi-year initiative to ensure the City’s zoning is up-to-date, and in line with national trends.

B2 - Know Your Resources: Reporting, Tracking, and Transparency Tools for Residents

Explore digital tools that empower residents to report issues, track progress, and ensure transparency with the City of Dayton. Learn how to use these platforms to engage with your community and stay informed.

B3 - Dayton Deliberates: Bringing Participatory Democracy to Dayton through a Citizens’ Assembly

Explore why Dayton is launching a Citizens’ Assembly and find out how the process works. Learn about the initiative’s goals and what residents can expect in the months ahead as community voices help guide local decision-making and strengthen trust in civic processes.

B4 - Housing and Inspection in Your Neighborhood

This session provides an overview of the housing landscape for homeowners, tenants, and landlords. Participants will learn about Chapter 61, examine challenges in code enforcement, and gain insight into updates to the citywide Conditions Survey and what they mean for residents and property owners.

B5 - University and Community Partnerships: How Universities Can Be Good Neighbors

Participants will learn how the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community partners with neighborhood associations, residents, and community nonprofits to move forward community driven goals. Participants will also learn about the principles that the Fitz Center practices in order to be intentional about being reciprocal and responsive partners.

B6 - What’s Happening Now: Immigration Trends & Community Response in Dayton

This panel-style discussion will bring together the Human Relations Council, Welcome Dayton, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, and the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition to share perspectives on their work with immigrant and refugee communities. Panelists will provide current insights, respond to audience questions, and engage in dialogue around emerging issues. The session will also help identify areas for future conversation and community support.