City of New London, Community Development Division

Introducing a New City Initiative: Neighborhood Heroes

Have you seen someone in our community go above and beyond? A teacher inspiring students, a neighbor helping others, a pastor guiding the community, or a volunteer making a difference?

We want to recognize these amazing individuals!

🏆 Neighborhood Heroes is a new citywide initiative from the Office of Development and Planning, Community Development Division. Selected Heroes will be publicly honored at the Neighborhood Academy Graduation this May.

🗓 Nomination deadline: April 15
📌 No limit: Nominate as many deserving people as you like!

👉 Nominate your Neighborhood Hero here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSrONYuf8I-_aaiLUJLiKpY2RiAOZmFf95O_bLhDModKV8jg/viewform

Let’s celebrate those who make our neighborhoods stronger, kinder, and more connected!

Only a few days left to apply! Link to apply is below!!

The deadline for the New London Neighborhood Academy is March 15, 2026.

The Neighborhood Academy is an opportunity for New London residents, employees, and connects to learn how the City works, meet department leadership, and grow as community leaders. Participants will gain insight into City operations, strengthen leadership skills, and explore the possibility of launching neighborhood projects that can make a real impact.

If you care about your community and want to be more involved, this program is for you. Your voice matters, and this is a chance to learn, connect, and help shape the future of our city.

Spots are limited and the deadline is approaching!

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSci_yy23SLPM_2R3iwm6WFdmazigvkbppyIbZvMQv5BrvDHWw/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawQbp3tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDVEJGdW9HU0VpNHhkNjZIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgEGyZZLGOOlJRN4M28P62CVOu2-fAu5FtTKtTJfycNYf7DnZya7wp2RTeJ9_aem_j_QptPq1Rne9DmOvWNs9bw

The Neighborhood Academy is BACK! Spots are limited, APPLY QUICK!
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSci_yy23SLPM_2R3iwm6WFdmazigvkbppyIbZvMQv5BrvDHWw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117544953010471998414

Applications open to all New London Residents, anyone who works in New London, anyone who is looking for ways to plug into New London!

Join the City of New London’s Neighborhood Academy for an 8-week civic engagement experience designed to inform, equip, and empower residents.

🗓 March 19 – May 14, 2026
(March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30, Graduation on May 7, & May 14)
⏰ Every Thursday | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

This is your opportunity to:
✔️ Learn how the City of New London works
✔️ Meet department leadership
✔️ Understand the mechanics of local government
✔️ Build meaningful connections
✔️ Turn civic interest into real-world impact

Your voice matters. The City of New London is committed to empowering residents to learn, lead, serve, and connect.

💬 Whether you're passionate about your neighborhood, interested in local government, or ready to make a difference — this program is for you!

📌 Applications close March 15, 2026.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get involved and mobilize for positive change in our community.

If you have any questions, please reach out to City of New London's Neighborhood Coordinator, Yamilla Mateo at 860-437-6394 or [email protected]

🌿✨ Citywide Cleanup Success! ✨🌿

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting a Citywide Cleanup, and we are thrilled to share that over 150 residents signed up to be part of it! 🙌

On behalf of the City of New London’s Community Development Branch, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for a day filled with collaboration, neighborhood partnerships, and building a culture of unity.

A special thank you to Yamilla Mateo, Neighborhood Coordinator, for leading this effort, as well as our amazing partners at the Cultural District BFF (Best Friends Forever) and the Freedom Trail for their continued partnership. In addition to our resident volunteer, Jose Mateo💙

Interested in hosting a cleanup or event in your own neighborhood?
Reach out to:
Yamilla Mateo: Neighborhood Coordinator, Eviction, Fair Housing & Relocation Officer, Fair Rent Commission Administrator at: [email protected]

Together, we’re keeping New London strong, vibrant, and connected! 💪🌎

🌍 Interested in joining the fun?
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLhG6hqfb7hDfaNxdoxbxIVgb3QFsVVGPMCIDTKMaqgx3pxA/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawMSzt9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5VGQ0aG5xODBPTjloNTQyAR4QvaWBvQhSoE6IFfe7NJgdW-nJoebXE9x2S9geiJYVXgZCM_ckRX0OhE8dkw_aem_XbS0deoZ5xETBEBTQSesrA

🧹 Supply Pick-Up: (FREE Gloves, Bags, and Safety Glasses Included)
📍 111 Union Street, New London, CT 06320
🕗 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
For more info you can contact 860-437-6394.

✨ See you Saturday!

🎓 CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2025 Neighborhood Academy! 🎉

Over the past 8 weeks, 25 incredible participants committed their time, energy, and passion to learning how to become community leaders and bridge the gap between our residents and local government. On behalf of the City of New London and the Office of Development & Planning, we are so proud of you!

👏 A huge shoutout to our graduates:
Moria Miller, Ann Shapiro, Lorraine Galvis, Brad Sheridan, Lizbeth Polo Smith, Mirna Bayona, Mono Michael, Raychelle Rivera, Ivie Cluff, Jennifer Rudolph, Sarah Turner, Cassandra Platt, LaKisha Lee, Lisa McCann, Sheila Herbert, Chevelle Moss-Savage, Shalonda Earvin, Yunerquis Reyes, Rocco Gammone, Maritza Nieves, Ninon Guinassi, Beloved Carter, Stacy Harrison, Kenia Mateo, and Allison McGuire! 💪

Each participant received a certificate of completion along with official citations from the City of New London, the Connecticut General Assembly, and the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy — recognizing their dedication to community leadership and civic engagement. 🏅📜

🙌 This program was proudly facilitated by Yamilla Mateo, Neighborhood Coordinator for the City of New London. Thank you, Yamilla, for your vision, commitment, and tireless work in building connections across our community!

🙏 Special thanks to:
• Chief Vernon Skau for representing the City on graduation night.
• Mayor Passero, Mr. Steve Fields, and the Office of Development & Planning for championing initiatives that build a stronger New London.
• All our department heads for your time and impactful presentations — your support made this program possible.
• Public Works: Lori Coates, Tom Ferino, Steve Lee, and Paul Rowe for your continued support.
• State Representatives Dan Gaiewski, Anthony Nolan, Martha Marx, and Erin McBride from Senator Chris Murphy’s office for showing up and celebrating our graduates.

Let’s continue to empower residents, foster collaboration, and build a better New London — together. 💙🏙️

We are so excited for these two new programs for ages 2-5! Visit our programs page at www.newlondonrec.com.

🎉 The Neighborhood Academy is BACK and BETTER than ever! 🎉

Learn. Connect. Lead. Mobilize. 💡

This is your chance to sit down face-to-face with department heads and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the City of New London operates. 💼✨ Gain the tools to become an effective community leader and make a lasting impact!

📢 Spots are LIMITED and filling fast! Priority will go to:
1️⃣ New London Residents
2️⃣ New London Business Owners & Workers
3️⃣ Surrounding City Applicants (if space allows)

⏳ It takes less than 10 minutes to fill out the application! Don’t miss out—applications close February 20th, 2025.

📩 Apply now and take the first step toward becoming an empowered leader: (Less than a 10-minute application) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3SsC81192u74xIZYNGcF06XYiJJOSvXzSZEPhNVbng1J9MQ/viewform?usp=sharing