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the state oF our resiDents’ groups Toronto has dozens of residents’ as- sociations, some of which are highly organized while others are inactive. These groups receive little support from the City and lack a city-wide organisation connecting them to each other and to the larger public. In fact, there is no comprehensive list or map of residents’ groups anywhere in Toronto. To their credit, City staff have made efforts to compile a list but the document is incomplete, isn’t available online, and only provides snail mail ad- dresses and phone numbers. Contrast this with the structure of our Business Improvement As- sociations, who receive support from dedicated City staff and have a central body (TABIA – Toronto As- sociation of BIAs) that maintains a website, an updated list, and a map of all existing groups. Some American cities have offi- cially recognised neighbourhood as- socations who receive staff support, and in some cases, direct funding: “Toronto’s BIA model is a great example of how support from City Hall can help local grassroots groups flourish. It would be great to see the same level support going to our residents’ associations. And imagine what these two sets of groups could do for our neighbourhoods if they were working together.” raFael goMez associate professor at the centre for industrial relations and human resources, author of the forthcoming book, “small Business and the city” engageD ontario We can also learn from nearby existing groups, as nearby as the guelph civics league, the london urban league, or citizens at city hall (catch) in hamilton. los angeles DepartMent oF neighBourhooD eMpoWerMent supports 90 elected Neighborhood Councils portlanD oFFice oF neighBourhooD involveMent supports 95 Neighborhood Associations Minneapolis neighBorhooD revitalization prograM supports 81 neighbourhoods