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April 3 Event Features Community Leaders Addressing Crime and Blight

Capitol School Phoenix

Capitol School, 330 N. 16th Avenue

The Capitol Mall Association (CMA), in conjunction with its partner organizations, is launching a new initiative that will focus efforts on revitalizing downtown neighborhoods. The Capitol Neighborhood Coalition is designed to address issues, in a holistic approach, that affect neighborhoods surrounding the Arizona State Capitol area.

“The Capitol Neighborhood Coalition will be working to address global solutions for our communities by bringing issues and solutions to the table that will change the lives of our children and their families. We will address these issues together, as we know we are all connected and there is power in a united effort that creates a healthy community,” said CMA Executive Director, Shannon Dubasik.

A formal celebration to launch the initiative is planned for 6:00 pm on April 3, 2012. The community at large is invited to attend the event to be held at the Capitol School, 330 N. 16th Avenue, in Phoenix. It is anticipated that Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton may attend the event, along with Teresa Brice, Executive Director, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), who will be the featured speaker on the topic of sustainability efforts by engaging community members to design their own vision for quality of life.

Capitol Neighborhood Coalition partners include the Capitol Mall Association, Woodland Historic District, Oakland University Park Neighborhood, F.Q. Story Neighborhood and the St. Matthew’s Neighborhood, all bound by I-10 Freeway North and the railroad tracks South of Harrison Street; 27th Avenue to 7th Avenue. The Coalition will also include local law enforcement and the City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services, Housing and Community and Economic Development departments. Phoenix Councilmember Michael Nowakowski (District 7) and Councilmember and Vice Mayor Michael Johnson (District 8), along with the Mayor’s office, will be key players in the Coalition as well.

This event also serves as the kick-off to the CMA Home Raffle to raise money in support of the nonprofit’s programs. Raffle tickets will be sold through May 29 for $20 each or six for $100. Prizes include two homes. The drawing for the homes and other prizes will take place May 31. For additional information and ticket purchases, visit the CMA website.

About Capitol Mall Association

Capitol Mall Association (CMA) is a 501 c( 3), non-profit organization that is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of residents, area property and business owners, and advisors from the City of Phoenix and the State of Arizona. CMA primarily serves the downtown Phoenix neighborhoods bound by I-10 Freeway North and the railroad tracks South of Harrison Street; 27th Avenue to 7th Avenue. In 2007, the Board of Directors voted to expand CMA’s housing services mission City Wide with a focus on underserved areas. For more information, visit their website.