Chandler, AZ - 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 now open through Monday, July 10 and may be completed online at chandleraz.gov/MNEA.

The annual awards recognize Chandler 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 award categories available: Mayor’s Choice Award and the People’s Choice Award. Nominations will be evaluated from Aug. 28 – Sept. 11, and the top finalists in each category will be selected by Neighborhood Programs staff and Mayor Hartke. Mayor Hartke also will select the winner for the Mayor’s Choice Award.

Although several planned G.A.I.N. events were postponed due to the inclement weather, many were rescheduled within the following weeks. Those neighborhood events would still qualify for the awards and neighborhood leaders are encouraged to submit a nomination.

Online voting for the People’s Choice Award will start at 8 a.m. Monday, July 24, and will continue through 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at chandleraz.gov/MNEA. The winners will be announced during the G.A.I.N. kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 16, which will be held at the Chandler Police Main Station community room located at 250 E. Chicago St., from 9-11 a.m.

For questions about the awards program, or the upcoming G.A.I.N. event on Saturday, Oct. 14, contact Neighborhood Programs staff at 480-782-4348, or email [email protected].