Chandler neighborhood watch groups who hosted a community G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) event last year are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Excellence Awards. Nominations are open through Sunday, Aug. 21 and available for completion online at chandleraz.gov/MNEA.

The awards recognize neighborhoods for their dedication to creating community through events, increasing neighborhood involvement and developing the next generation of leadership. Prizes for the winners will be applied towards this fall’s G.A.I.N. events.

There are two categories available: Mayor’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. Nominations will be evaluated and the top finalists in each category will be selected by the Chandler Police Crime Prevention Unit and Neighborhood Programs staff. Mayor Hartke will personally select a neighborhood watch group for the Mayor’s Choice Award category.

Online voting for the People’s Choice Award will start at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, and will continue through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at chandleraz.gov/MNEA. The winners will be announced during the G.A.I.N. kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 17, which will be held at the Chandler Police Main Station community room from 9-11 a.m.

For questions about the awards program, or the upcoming G.A.I.N. event on Saturday, Oct. 15, contact Neighborhood Programs staff at 480-782-4354, or email [email protected].