City advances Community F.I.R.S.T. to strengthen neighborhoods

Published on June 27, 2025

Building on its initial success in 2022, the City of Gainesville has rolled out the next phase of the Community F.I.R.S.T. initiative — Facilitative, Innovative, Responsive, Supportive, Timely — for seven neighborhoods. The effort brings City Hall directly to residents through regular outreach, responsive problem-solving and targeted services.

The initiative is housed within Gainesville Fire Rescue. It is led by Brandy Stone, Director of Community Health Initiatives and Brittany Coleman, Gun Violence Intervention Program Manager. Community F.I.R.S.T. uses tools like the myGNV app and in-person meetings to identify and resolve neighborhood concerns — focusing on everything from traffic issues and street lighting to waste pickup and pedestrian safety.

Launched initially in the Porters Quarters neighborhood, the program quickly generated visible results. The Public Works Department repaired sidewalks and mitigated drainage issues on the roadway. The city also conducted a lighting check to ensure proper functioning of streetlights and relocated two speed limit signs to reduce speeding in the neighborhood. The goal is to replicate that responsiveness in more neighborhoods across Gainesville.

This summer, Community F.I.R.S.T. has reinvigorated its outreach in Porters Quarters, Phoenix, Greater Duval, Sugar Hill, Pineridge, University Park and Pleasant Street. Representatives and community groups from the neighborhoods meet with the city’s departmental liaisons to coordinate swift responses to needs and complaints.

“Community F.I.R.S.T. is about building trust — showing neighbors that the city hears them, and that we act quickly on issues they raise,” said City Manager Cynthia W. Curry. “It’s the most direct way we bring local government to the doorstep of every resident.”

The program is also providing pop-up service fairs — bringing resources like financial assistance, housing support, transit passes and public safety information directly into neighborhoods. These events are designed to meet residents where they are and make services more accessible and transparent.

Mayor Harvey L. Ward emphasized the value of strong local partnerships. “This isn’t a one-time outreach. It’s an ongoing relationship. Neighbors are telling us what matters most, and the city is responding with action and accountability.”

Feedback from residents continues to guide improvements. Reports of dilapidated fencing in Porters Quarters led to a new replacement, while transportation concerns resulted in targeted changes to RTS service in the area. This model of listening and acting is central to the program’s design.

Looking ahead, Community F.I.R.S.T. will continue to inform upcoming outreach and service efforts, including community center roofing repairs, student literacy tutoring and neighborhood cleanups. Regular updates will be presented to the Gainesville City Commission to ensure public accountability and alignment with citywide priorities.

Residents can submit concerns through the myGNV app or myGNV.com, attend in-person neighborhood meetings or connect directly with city directors assigned to neighborhoods. The initiative reflects Gainesville’s broader commitment to making city government more accessible, responsive and community-focused.