Mayor Lester Miller announced Friday that Macon-Bibb has been selected to join Love Your Block, an initiative led by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, to launch resident-led projects that improve their cities.

As one of just 25 new local governments from 20 U.S. states to join the latest edition of the program, Macon-Bibb will receive $70,000 to engage residents in efforts that clear vacant lots, reclaim public space, and better their communities, as well as expert support from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation and a dedicated Love Your Block Fellow to support their work—and build trust in local government.

“The most good we can do in our neighborhoods is done by first listening to the needs of its residents, which is why we have always prioritized community priorities in our work and created Macon Good Neighbors to ensure we maintained that focus,” says Mayor Miller. “Working with Love Your Block, we have a chance to learn from other cities and apply that to our needs and resources.”

“We are providing a direct connection between people and the government services they need and deserve, and that’s something every government should provide,” says Jerry Battle, Neighborhood Program Coordinator. “As I’ve met with people throughout the community, many tell me they just want to be heard and to see very simple things taken care of. I’m excited to work with Love Your Block to help better provide these services in our neighborhoods.”

“Residents often have the clearest view of what their neighborhoods need—and Love Your Block helps mayors and municipalities bring them into the work—and see those ideas through,” Francisca M. Rojas, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins. “That translates to tangible improvements communities want—and that they lead—with their city hall’s support, and shows what happens when local government invites the public in to solve problems and deliver, together.”

“Community engagement is more than asking residents what they need, it’s giving them the opportunity and resources to help shape the future of their own neighborhoods,” says Khaia Gibson, a volunteer with the program. “Love Your Block allows us to turn resident ideas into action while empowering neighbors to take ownership and pride in their community. Clean, safe, and welcoming neighborhoods are the foundation for a better quality of life.”