The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allows CDBG entitlement communities to designate defined areas of their jurisdiction as Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSA), allowing the community to marshal its resources into a comprehensive strategy. That strategy brings together the resources, strengths, and energies of the residents, local governments, business community, and non-profit organizations to create communities of opportunity in distressed neighborhoods by stimulating the reinvestment of human and economic capital.

The City of Yuma has developed a NRSA plan for the Mesa Heights neighborhood. This community is bounded roughly by 17th Street, Arizona Avenue, 24th Street and 4th Avenue.

• Mesa Heights Boundary Map
• Mesa Heights Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area plan

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) Expansion

The City of Yuma is beginning the process of updating and expanding its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).

This expansion is currently in the planning stage, and community input is a critical part of the process. The NRSA helps focus resources in targeted neighborhoods, improve opportunities for residents and businesses, and strengthen housing, economic development, and community programs.

Residents and businesses within the proposed NRSA area will be invited to share their input through surveys and community meetings.

For more information, please contact Neighborhood & Economic Division at (928) 373-5187 or Neighborhoodservices@yumaaz.gov. Para información en Español, marque el (928) 373-5187.

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The Mesa Heights Visual Improvement Program, “VIP,” provides financial assistance to business/property owners who wish to make enhancements to the exterior of commercial buildings in the Mesa Heights Neighborhood. A component of the Mesa Heights Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy, this program is intended to revitalize the commercial corridor, stimulate private investment, and improve the visual aesthetics of the neighborhood, which will, in turn, entice customers to the locally owned businesses.

The City of Yuma Neighborhood Services Division will provide a grant to eligible business/property owners for 80% of the cost of the exterior building enhancements.   The business will contribute the remaining 20% of the cost.   The grants are provided by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  As such, certain federal requirements will apply.

More information about VIP can be found here:

• VIP Guidelines 
• VIP Application

or by contacting Neighborhood Services at 928-373-5187 or Neighborhoodservices@yumaaz.gov.

Para información en Español, marque el (928) 373-5187.

The Voluntary Demolition Program is designed to help property owners remove residential structures that are vacant and present a health and safety hazard to the neighborhood because of any of the following conditions:

• Dilapidated,
• Blighted,
• Not repairable for habitation
• Condemned

 Neighborhood Services will provide a grant to the property owner for one-half of the cost of demolition of a qualifying structure. Because the program is funded with Community Development Block Grant funds, certain federal requirements will apply.

For more information or to apply for a Voluntary Demolition Program grant, contact Neighborhood Services at 928-373-5187 or Neighborhoodservices@yumaaz.gov.

Para información en Español, marque el (928) 373-5187.