Neighborhood College is a one-of-a-kind collaboration of workshops and hands-on learning experiences brought to you by multiple city departments.The intent of the program is to provide each participant with knowledge about the city’s programs, services and resources; the tools to access those resources; and the skills and ideas with which to build positive, sustainable communities.
Everyone is welcome! Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned community leader or a new resident just looking to get to know your new home better, Neighborhood College is flexible enough to meet the needs of all Phoenix residents! We hope to see you at one of our many free workshops - and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Here's a look at our current class offerings. If you're interested in a subject you don't see here, please let us know. There are three ways to register for a workshop: 1)
register online, 2) email neighborhood.college@phoenix.gov or 3) call 602-534-4444.
Please note: when you sign up using the form below, you WILL NOT receive a confirmation. You only will be notified if there is a cancellation.
Upcoming Workshops
March 2015
Code Compliance 101
Are you concerned about trash, high weeds, dead trees, graffiti, deteriorated fences or open/vacant properties in your neighborhood? This workshop is for you! Attendees will learn the step-by-step code compliance process and timeline, how to use a free smartphone app to report blight, how to address code violations at vacant properties, what happens if a case goes to court, answers to questions about problem properties in your neighborhood, how to use the tool lending program, maintenance tips, resources and more.
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, Washington Activity Center, 2240 W. Citrus Way
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. The CERT course is taught in the community by a trained team of first responders and community members who have completed a CERT train-the-trainer course conducted by their state training office for emergency management, or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI), located in Emmitsburg, MD. CERT training includes disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations and terrorism awareness. To join, please fill out the
CERT Application and email it to
don.L.peyton@phoenix.gov or mail it to
Phoenix Homeland Defense Bureau, 150 S. 12th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034. Applications also may be faxed to 602-534-6630. Once you have completed your application, you must complete 20 hours of Basic Training. You will be notified regarding your acceptance for that class. There is no cost to the public for this training. College credit is offered through Phoenix College for all CERT basic training and continuing education classes. For more information, call Don Peyton at 602-261-8038.
The CERT training is a FEMA certified course and to receive a certificate of completion, you must attend all 20 hours of training.
6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 6; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7; 8:30 to noon Sunday, March 8, Phoenix Fire Admin Building, 150 S. 12th St.
Social Media 101
Staff from the city's Communications Office will teach attendees the basics of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Confused about hashtags, the "@" symbol, how to upload photos and tag friends? This workshop will help you! Bring your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Free Wi-Fi at the library.
9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., Lecture Room, fourth floor
- Hands-on Paint Sprayer Training
During this two-hour workshop, attendees will watch a video on how to safety operate a paint sprayer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti at a nearby location. Upon completion, participants will be able to use a paint sprayer free of charge for community clean-ups. Come learn how to keep a "Graffiti Free Phoenix".
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
- Fundamentals of Grant Writing
Know of a great project for your neighborhood, but aren't sure from where the money is going to come from? Interested in applying for a grant, but aren't sure where or how to start? Participants will explore the fundamentals of the process and learn the "who, what, where and how" of grant writing.
9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave.
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Workshops
Attendees will learn how to apply for SBE and/or DBE certification (first hour) and fine SBE and DBE business opportunities (second hour). This workshop will be in Spanish. For more information, call 602-262-6790 or 602-534-1557 TTY or 7-1-1.
2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, Calvin G. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, Room 10 West
April 2015
Pressure Washer Training
During the two-hour session, residents will watch a video on how to safely operate a pressure washer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti under observation. Upon completion of the course, residents will be able to use a pressure washer free of charge for community clean-ups. As a reminder, paint and supplies for community clean-ups and blight removal are free of charge to neighborhood associations listed with Neighborhood Services. Residents must wear casual clothing to the training session and closed-toe shoes.
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
Landlord/Tenant Workshop
This free workshop offered through Neighborhood College will provide information on rights, responsibilities and guidelines of landlords and tenants under the Arizona Residential Law. Topics to be discussed include the eviction process, security deposits, tenants in foreclosure, maintenance issues and more.
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2015, Maryvale Community Center, 4420 N. 51st Ave.
Collecting Delinquent Assessments and CC&R Enforcement and Dealing with Difficult People
Two of the most difficult subjects for board members to deal with will be presented by a Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. attorney. This class will offer a discussion of proactive approaches for collection of delinquent assessments. We will look at 5 secrets to collecting assessments and discuss using the association’s available legal remedies as the most successful tools for the association to collect delinquencies. A discussion of the board’s fiduciary duty to enforce CC&Rs and legal aspects of enforcement such as demand letters, fines, self-help and when to turn to litigation will be included. Additionally, we will cover dealing with difficult people and the disgruntled homeowner or board member with a discussion of board member conflict, how to respond when dealing with a difficult situation, types of difficult people and the importance of communication and finally harassment. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., auditorium
May 2014
How to Select a Management Company and Legislative Update and Amending Association DocumentsSelecting and working with a management company is a major function of the board of directors. A clear step-by-step process will be presented to help the association determine if a change is necessary and if so, which management company is best for their association. The bidding process, questions to ask of the management company and how to determine the best candidate will be covered. We will also cover key points on how to best work with your management company. Additionally, this class will discuss the 2015 legislative work. New laws may mean that association documents contain unclear or contradictory language and/or provisions that conflict with Arizona and federal law and might need to be amended. This class will look at possible changes necessary for association documents and teach an easy to follow 5-step process for amending association documents. A Q&A session by a Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. attorney will follow the presentation.
5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., auditorium
Code Compliance 101
Are you concerned about trash, high weeds, dead trees, graffiti, deteriorated fences or open/vacant properties in your neighborhood? This workshop is for you! Attendees will learn the step-by-step code compliance process and timeline, how to use a free smartphone app to report blight, how to address code violations at vacant properties, what happens if a case goes to court, answers to questions about problem properties in your neighborhood, how to use the tool lending program, maintenance tips, resources and more.
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, Devonshire Senior Center, 2802 E. Devonshire Ave.
Hands-on Paint Sprayer Training
During this two-hour workshop, attendees will watch a video on how to safety operate a paint sprayer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti at a nearby location. Upon completion, participants will be able to use a paint sprayer free of charge for community clean-ups. Come learn how to help keep a "Graffiti Free Phoenix".
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Workshops
Attendees will learn how to apply for SBE and/or DBE certification (first hour) and fine SBE and DBE business opportunities (second hour). For more information, call 602-262-6790 or 602-534-1557 TTY or 7-1-1.
2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Calvin G. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, Room 10 East
Skills DayThe city of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with Arizona Business Volunteers for the Arts, Arizona Commission on the Arts and the ASU PAVE Program in Arts Entrepreneurship, will offer a professional skills day for emerging arts and culture organization. During this event, organizations will have the opportunity to consult with business professional and attend workshops on topics suchs as financial literacy, marketing, program evaluation and more. For more information, contact Ashley Hare at
ashley.hare@phoenix.gov.
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 15, Location: TBD
June 2015
- Pressure Washer Training
During the two-hour session, residents will watch a video on how to safely operate a pressure washer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti under observation. Upon completion of the course, residents will be able to use a pressure washer free of charge for community clean-ups. As a reminder, paint and supplies for community clean-ups and blight removal are free of charge to neighborhood associations listed with Neighborhood Services. Residents must wear casual clothing to the training session and closed-toe shoes.
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
July 2015
Code Compliance 101
Are you concerned about trash, high weeds, dead trees, graffiti, deteriorated fences or open/vacant properties in your neighborhood? This workshop is for you! Attendees will learn the step-by-step code compliance process and timeline, how to use a free smartphone app to report blight, how to address code violations at vacant properties, what happens if a case goes to court, answers to questions about problem properties in your neighborhood, how to use the tool lending program, maintenance tips, resources and more.
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St.
Landlord/Tenant Workshop
This free workshop offered through Neighborhood College will provide information on rights, responsibilities and guidelines of landlords and tenants under the Arizona Residential Law. Topics to be discussed include the eviction process, security deposits, tenants in foreclosure, maintenance issues and more.
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
August 2015
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Workshops
Attendees will learn how to apply for SBE and/or DBE certification (first hour) and fine SBE and DBE business opportunities (second hour). For more information, call 602-262-6790 or 602-534-1557 TTY or 7-1-1.
2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, Calvin G. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, Room 10 East
September 2015
Code Compliance 101
Are you concerned about trash, high weeds, dead trees, graffiti, deteriorated fences or open/vacant properties in your neighborhood? This workshop is for you! Attendees will learn the step-by-step code compliance process and timeline, how to use a free smartphone app to report blight, how to address code violations at vacant properties, what happens if a case goes to court, answers to questions about problem properties in your neighborhood, how to use the tool lending program, maintenance tips, resources and more.
6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, John F. Long Family Services Center, 3454 N. 51st Ave.
Hands-on Paint Sprayer Training
During this two-hour workshop, attendees will watch a video on how to safety operate a paint sprayer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti at a nearby location. Upon completion, participants will be able to use a paint sprayer free of charge for community clean-ups. Come learn how to help keep a "Graffiti Free Phoenix".
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
October 2015
Pressure Washer Training
During the two-hour session, residents will watch a video on how to safely operate a pressure washer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti under observation. Upon completion of the course, residents will be able to use a pressure washer free of charge for community clean-ups. As a reminder, paint and supplies for community clean-ups and blight removal are free of charge to neighborhood associations listed with Neighborhood Services. Residents must wear casual clothing to the training session and closed-toe shoes.
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
Landlord/Tenant Workshop
This free workshop offered through Neighborhood College will provide information on rights, responsibilities and guidelines of landlords and tenants under the Arizona Residential Law. Topics to be discussed include the eviction process, security deposits, tenants in foreclosure, maintenance issues and more.
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Saguaro Library, 2808 N. 46th St.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Workshops
Attendees will learn how to apply for SBE and/or DBE certification (first hour) and fine SBE and DBE business opportunities (second hour). This workshop will be in Spanish. For more information, call 602-262-6790 or 602-534-1557 TTY or 7-1-1.
2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Calvin G. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, Room 10 West
November 2015
Hands-on Paint Sprayer Training
During this two-hour workshop, attendees will watch a video on how to safety operate a paint sprayer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti at a nearby location. Upon completion, participants will be able to use a paint sprayer free of charge for community clean-ups. Come learn how to help keep a "Graffiti Free Phoenix".
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Workshops
Attendees will learn how to apply for SBE and/or DBE certification (first hour) and fine SBE and DBE business opportunities (second hour). For more information, call 602-262-6790 or 602-534-1557 TTY or 7-1-1.
2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, Calvin G. Goode Building, 251 W. Washington St., 10th floor, Room 10 East
December 2015
Pressure Washer Training
During the two-hour session, residents will watch a video on how to safely operate a pressure washer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti under observation. Upon completion of the course, residents will be able to use a pressure washer free of charge for community clean-ups. As a reminder, paint and supplies for community clean-ups and blight removal are free of charge to neighborhood associations listed with Neighborhood Services. Residents must wear casual clothing to the training session and closed-toe shoes.
8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St.
