The City Council of the City of Vancouver finds that there is a need to maintain strong channels of communication with the citizens of Vancouver on matters affecting the livability of their neighborhood and the community in general. It is the intent of the City Council, through the recognition of neighborhood associations, to foster a partnership of open communication between the city and its neighborhoods; to enhance the environment in which citizens are afforded an opportunity to participate in government decisions in an advisory role; to foster cooperation and consensus among diverse interest; to assist the city and neighborhood residents in developing solutions to mutual problems; and to develop in the citizens a sense of personal pride and responsibility for their neighborhood. The City Council has recommended that a plan be developed for recognizing neighborhood associations and to establish mechanisms for consulting with such organizations on policies, projects, etc. (Ord. M-3696 §1, 2005)