In April 2001, the Abilene Community Excellence (ACE) Task Force recommended building upon the existing neighborhood program concepts in the Planning and Development Services. As a result, combining aspects of the Neighborhood Initiatives (CDBG/HOME) Division with the Planning Services Division enables us to develop a more comprehensive Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS).

Mission: The mission of the Office of Neighborhood Services is to strengthen Abilene’s neighborhoods by coordinating services and offering technical assistance to enable residents to devise and implement locally created solutions. ONS effectively utilizes federal assistance programs to revitalize target neighborhoods, support the provision of essential services to the low and moderate income population, and supplement the supply of decent, affordable housing.

The Office of Neighborhood Services is founded on five principles. These principles state that the ONS will: