Point Person for City Services

NSOs are in the field a great percentage of their time. When in the field, they identify places in need of a city service or inspection. After making a request for a city service (such as debris removal from a vacant lot or a building inspection of a derelict property), they track the progress, following up with the responsible department to see the request to conclusion. Most requests are handled easily by a City operating department. Others require special attention due to the size or nature of the problem. NSOs troubleshoot in these cases to ensure problems with unusual circumstances do not fall through the cracks. Field work for the NSOs also includes some very tangible assignments:

• Tag for tow derelict cars which present a threat to public safety.
• Post public notices of Redevelopment Hearings scheduled by the Board of Alderman regarding blighted properties.
• Post notices of Housing Court Action, alerting residents of upcoming court dates for chronic offenders.
• Assist neighborhood Housing Corporations with inventories of vacant property.

• Research property ownership records
• Obtain, compile and interpret neighborhood crime statistics
• Check on tax delinquency status as needed
• Track code violations
• Track Housing Court cases
• Compile information on problem properties
• Explain ordinances
• Disseminate city service information

NSOs help direct and focus city services by identifying problems and working on resolutions to these problems through operating departments.

NSOs develop block units, assist neighborhood associations and organize community improvement projects.

NSOs also work with the police, elected officials, governmental agencies, social service organizations, community groups and individuals to identify permanent solutions to ongoing problems.

NSOs work with neighborhood groups and individuals to develop and implement NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLANS. These plans include project-based goals that reflect the priorities of the neighborhood.

NSOs can show you how to:

• Create cleaner, more visually appealing neighborhoods
• Obtain home improvement resources for qualifying individuals
• Increase citizen participation in your community
• Identify resources to enhance housing and commercial development initiatives
• Address problem properties and nuisance issues on your block
• Access city services