"A very readable account which touches on many of the major challenges facing every city in the country."
- John P. Kretzmann, coauthor of Building Communities from Inside Out
"One of the most hopeful signs for the revitalization of American cities and indeed for the rejuvenation of American democracy is the neighborhood movement which is sweeping communities across America. Jim Diers has chronicled the vigorous debates which accompanied the blossoming of neighborhood power in Seattle. The neighborhood movement in Seattle not only helped cement that city's reputation as one of the most beautiful and civically minded cities in America, but has provided an example for local leader across the nation."
-Henry G. Cisneros, former Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
"Some writers talk about democracy, but Jim Diers has done it. Here he gracefully shares his invaluable experience, proving that democracy is not something done to us or for us, it's what we ourselves do to create communities that work for all. Neighbor Power is rich in lessons that any community can apply. An antidote to despair-a must read in trying times!"
-Frances Moore Lappéco-, author of Hope's Edge and You Have the Power
"Few people in this country know as much about community building as Jim Diers. The case studies and ideas in this book are extremely powerful evidence that real communities are knit together by the public places they share, and show how small ideas from ordinary citizens can make an entire city thriving and beautiful."
-Fred Kent, President, Project for Public Spaces
"Dozens of towns, cities, and suburbs are replicating the outstanding community building programs pioneered by Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods. Neighbor Power supplies the inspiration and the techniques for building strong neighborhood communities from the ground up."
-Judy Corbett, Executive Director, Sacramento Local Government Commission
"Jim Diers's approach to neighborhood empowerment is gaining popularity in Japan. Thanks to Neighbor Power, we can now put Seattle's programs into action."
-Yuko Nishimura, Komazawa University, Tokyo
"Finally, a book sharing the 'how we did it' of Seattle's neighborhoods. Neighbor Power bursts with inspirational ideas, proven in practice, for building community. It is a must read for all students of planning and community development, local government managers and elected officials, and neighborhood leaders-in fact, anyone who cares about how we live together and create community."
-Linda Campbell, Manager for City Council, Shellharbour, Australia