New Haven's Neighborhood Advocate fosters relationships and builds a sense of communication between local government and its citizens by promoting community welfare, encouraging social interaction, creating multiple methods of communication with residents, ascertaining the needs and wants of residents and increasing the ability to meet those needs through a higher level of participation and interaction between residents.

Deb-Anne Smith, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, is New Haven's Neighborhood Advocate and continues to work with residents wishing to form new neighborhood associations while remaining allegiant to persevere relationships with our current neighborhood leaders and strengthen existing neighborhoods. "Building a successful neighborhood association takes people who are willing to make a commitment to get involved in their community and make things happen. When neighborhoods are organized and active, this results in a stronger community."