Neighborhood Association Registration

Why Form a Neighborhood Association?

Neighborhood associations are typically formed for the benefit of the residents; to help them know one another better, to establish positive relationships, increase communication and work on issues of concern together.

In the City of Tucson, registered neighborhoods get notification of pending issues such as liquor license applications and proposed rezonings in their area and are informed of planning, transportation or other municipal issues that may affect them.

Another important reason that neighborhoods become registered is that it affords them legal standing in certain procedures. In 1997, the Arizona Legislature passed legislation that gives neighborhoods new rights in certain criminal cases. The Neighborhood Protection Act (NPA) allows cities to register neighborhoods interested in victims' rights notification. Once registered, a neighborhood is entitled to know about certain parts of the legal proceedings in specific kinds of cases.

Important Note about Neighborhood Associations

Neighborhood Associations are not Homeowners Associations. HOAs are for members only and exclude others within your geographic boundaries. NAs are comprised of property owners, renters, businesses and organizations within your boundaries, and generally focus on community advocacy and/or community.

How to Form a Neighborhood Association

  1. Speak informally with your neighbors to decide whether there is interest or possible commitment in forming an association. If possible, get a small planning group together to discuss it.

  2. You will need to determine your neighborhood boundaries.

  3. Contact us at Neighborhood@tucsonaz.gov and staff will assist you through the rest.

Important Documents:

How to Reactivate a Neighborhood Association 

  1. Speak informally with your neighbors to decide whether there is interest or possible commitment in reactivating an association. If possible, get a small planning group together to discuss it.

  2. Contact us at Neighborhood@tucsonaz.gov and staff will assist you through the process.

How to Maintain Your Neighborhood Association Registration

Responsibilities of Neighborhood Associations

NAs are required to hold one annual meeting to hold elections for new officers. After this meeting, please provide the following information to Neighborhood@tucsonaz.gov:

  • Meeting Minutes

  • Officer Information Release forms for each officer elected, including re-elected officers. Please also submit Officer Information Release forms for changes in officers, e.g. interim officers

If NA Bylaws are updated, please provide the amended bylaws to Neighborhood@tucsonaz.gov

For a more detailed breakdown of the responsibilities of NAs, please read this document(PDF, 33KB).

How to Create Bylaws 

Every NA needs to have bylaws in place. Each NA is responsible for creating and amending their own bylaws.

Find Sample Bylaws(PDF, 21KB)

Important Note:  Neighborhood Resources is not responsible for ensuring NAs follow their bylaws. See Legal Opinion: DNR Support for Registered Neighborhood Associations