---
title: What is Neighborhood Politics?
description: This section explores the growing role of neighborhood advisory councils and residential associations in shaping local government decisions. It highlights how proactive engagement with these grassroots interest groups can enhance service delivery, housing policy, and land use planning while legitimizing municipal actions.
---

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November 5, 2025

# What is Neighborhood Politics?

## Neighborhood Political Groups: Grassroots Influence on Local Governance and Policy Legitimacy

One type of interest group is a neighborhood advisory council, or residential community associations, or other more informal neighborhood group with the potential to influence local governments. Neighborhood political groups, such as residential community associations have experienced phenomenal growth in recent years with great potential power and influence in local government regarding community services, housing policy, and land use planning (Dilger, 1992). Knowledge of and proactive interaction with these specific interest groups can  
provide for more effective government functioning as well as legitimizing policy decisions.

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