Neighborhood Partnerships Division fostering community connection

Published on July 01, 2025

The Village recently established a Neighborhood Partnerships Division to lead and support community and civic engagement through a neighborhood-focused lens.

Its mission is to strengthen connections between residents and local government by enhancing access, transparency and responsiveness. As a newly formed team, the division is working to improve how the Village connects with and serves the community.

These efforts include developing clear, consistent communication processes, reimagining the Welcome Center at Village Hall as a more inclusive and welcoming space and strengthening support for public-facing services and events through management of the Village’s special events permitting process.

Additionally, the division will work with the community to develop a Neighborhood Registry, which aims to foster resident-to-resident connections, support neighborhood identity and make it easier for community groups to access Village resources.

The division also serves as a liaison between the community and Village departments — helping residents, partners and community organizations navigate services and connect with the right resources.

For more information, visit www.oak-park.us/neighborconnect, email NeighborConnect@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5410.

Meet the team:

• Paola Garibay, Neighborhood Partnerships Administrator, leads the division and oversees strategic engagement efforts to build public trust and foster inclusive governance.

• Ele Hein, Welcome Center Coordinator, manages day-to-day operations and supports initiatives that expand the Village’s connection to the community.

• Carlton McBeth, Customer Service Representative, serves as the first point of contact at Village Hall, ensuring every visitor feels welcomed and supported.