What Makes a Neighborhood Feel Like Home?

What makes a great neighborhood? It's more than well-kept homes and attractive streets. Strong neighborhoods are places where people know one another, feel connected and take pride in where they live. In this episode of Inside Plano, hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley sit down with Housing and Community Services Manager Sandra Ottinger and Neighborhood Engagement Manager Stephanie Peacock to explore the programs and resources available through Plano Neighborhood Services. Learn how Love Where You Live brings residents, volunteers and City staff together to transform neighborhoods; what it takes to become a BEST Neighborhood; and how neighborhood grants can help turn community ideas into reality. The conversation also explores resources for individual homeowners, including the Great Update Rebate, housing rehabilitation and emergency repair assistance. Plus, hear why improving one home can create a ripple effect across an entire block — and why simply knowing your neighbors can make your community stronger. Hosts & Guests Hosts: Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley Guests: Sandra Ottinger, Housing and Community Services Manager; Stephanie Peacock, Neighborhood Engagement Manager Episode Highlights What Neighborhood Services does and how it supports Plano residents What makes a neighborhood Beautiful, Engaged, Safe and Thriving Why knowing your neighbors can help build a stronger, safer community How Love Where You Live brings volunteers, residents and City services together How neighborhoods can pursue BEST Neighborhood recognition and improvement grants How the Great Update Rebate helps qualifying homeowners invest in older homes Housing rehabilitation and emergency repair resources for qualifying homeowners How improving individual homes can have a ripple effect throughout a neighborhood Where to find your neighborhood planner and get help navigating available programs Resources & Links Plano Neighborhood Services: PlanoNeighborhoods.org Neighborhood Services: 972-208-8150 Love Where You Live: [email protected] Great Update Rebate: If you are considering this program, contact Neighborhood Services before beginning your project. Applications must be completed and approved before work starts, and not all improvements qualify. About Inside Plano Inside Plano is the official City of Plano podcast that connects you to the people, places and projects that make our city a great place to live, work and play. New episodes drop monthly on major podcast platforms. plano.gov