History
CONO began as a small group of neighborhood organizations which were interested in developing a more robust approach to neighborhood participation in residential and commercial development processes. Today, the Council of Neighbors and Organizations brings together the 400+ organized neighborhoods and homeowner associations in El Paso County and the city of Colorado Springs.
Specialties
Neighborhoods are the building blocks of cities and counties, and the basic unit of democracy. The Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO) protects and preserves neighborhoods within the Pikes Peak region by educating, assisting and encouraging them to create strong, tolerant and diverse communities. CONO addresses neighborhood issues and concerns and aids neighborhoods in working with government, and public and private organizations to strengthen the public process and to improve the quality of life for all. CONO's goals are to: * Strengthen the public process to be sure that all public decisions allow for participation by all citizens; * Build the capacity, resources, and leadership of neighborhood associations to improve and strengthen their communities through education, local involvement and technical assistance; * Encourage neighborhoods to be inclusive and diverse involving all their neighbors, local businesses, local governments and other community-minded organizations; * Represent the common needs and desires of neighborhoods to local governments and public and private organizations. The Council of Neighbors and Organizations also provides election monitoring and mediation services.