NEVADA CITY — Drawing on decades of public service focused on helping government agencies find creative, practical paths forward, Nevada City (NCity) Mayor Gary Petersen has said, “Throughout my career, I have worked hard to bring all stakeholders in important issues together to have the important conversations needed to build communities. All my work’s about connection.” He is always on the lookout for opportunities to get folks talking constructively and working together; the Year of the Neighborhood is a good example.

A self-described “organizational geek,” Petersen is intentional about making space at the discussion table for those who may have felt disinterested or disempowered. He values the diversity of viewpoint that “gives us better solutions, better answers,” and cites the City Council’s responsibility to be “inclusive, unifying leaders,” bringing people together to address common concerns.

In early July, Petersen proclaimed his year as mayor (2024-2025) “The Year of the Neighborhood.” Aware that towns and citizens thrive when they know each other well, the purpose is to “enhance community engagements by building and strengthening connections among community members while addressing local needs.”

The risk of wildfire is one area of serious, widespread concern. Building on a recent $250,000 Neighbor-to-Neighbor grant from the State of California, Evan McLenithan, NCity Risk Reduction Officer, is enthusiastic about using risk reduction events to promote more connected neighborhoods.

Activities designed to increase contact and cooperation kicked off in June 2024 with a gathering at Seaman’s Lodge, which was followed later by a get together inviting public input on several fire-related concepts. August was the first of “Second Saturday Mixers” in Pioneer Park. A “Firewise Mixer” at Miner’s Foundry, and a Piety Hill (neighborhood) “block party” hosted by Councilmember Lou Ceci followed. Also in development are additional FireWise Community designations and possibly localized evacuation drills. More info and resources at https://www.nevadacityca.gov/180/Wildfire-Preparedness.

Both Petersen and McLenithan recognize that the value of these initiatives goes beyond the urgency of disaster preparedness. Both are encouraged by the momentum that is developing, bringing neighbors together to meet and promote many aspects of common interest. McLenithan notes that the widening circles of contact include folks who didn’t have a previous history of interacting with the city government. He points with pride to the number of participants at recent events who have connected with neighbors they didn’t previously know.

Mayor Petersen recognizes that a long-term, on-going erosion of the sense of local community underlies many of the challenges facing Nevada City. Reweaving connections frayed by political friction and in the aftermath of the pandemic is an essential foundation for addressing other ills. The Year of the Neighborhood is part of that effort.