The Riverside Neighborhood Association (RNA) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a simple mission:
We are neighbors helping neighbors to make our community the best it can be.
FAQs
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RNA has no formal or legal authority or agency over or relating to its purpose and life in our community.
Nonetheless, it is common and preferred practice among Baltimore City agencies and elected officials to recognize the interests of communities in decisions of all kinds. As the recognized community association serving Riverside, RNA, its Board, and its members are consulted and informed on many matters that relate to change in our community.
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The Riverside Neighborhood Association is responsible for commitments we make to our members and neighbors, including initiating, planning, and implementing projects, communicating important developments, and sharing our institutional memory of our community.
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The RNA Board, and often its members, approve initiatives undertaken by our Board and volunteers in the name of the Association.
Due to our status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are prohibited from engaging in political campaign activity. We do not endorse candidates. (See our policy.)
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The Association supports efforts by members, neighbors, nearby associations, nonprofits, area businesses, affinity groups, and government entities pursuing positive change for Riverside and Baltimore.
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RNA is often consulted by other associations, elected and appointed officials, developers, and neighbors on how to approach or decide a wide variety of matters of public interest.
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Regarded by many stakeholders as a “path to communicate with Riverside residents,” RNA receives news and updates from City agencies, leaders, and countless organizations with an interest in serving or impacting the lives of people in Riverside.
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Standing committees are responsible for core areas of business that routinely come before the Association. Each is chaired by a member of the Board of Directors and staffed by other Board or RNA members. Committee chairs report on activities at each regular RNA membership meeting.
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Friends of Leone Riverside Park advocate for City services and the implementation of the park’s masterplan, and provide supplementary resources to maintain, activate, beautify, and secure Riverside’s crown jewel. There are many opportunities to volunteer to help keep our park green, beautiful, and fun.
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The Development Committee monitors and informs residents about impending changes in the built environment; engages developers on project design and management including liquor license matters; and serves as liaison to the City Planning Department.
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According to the will of residents on affected blocks, the Parking Committee advances and manages Residential Permit Parking (RPP); advocates for enforcement; and supports related initiatives such as EV charging and improvements in parking area design.
Contact the RNA Parking committee by email at RPP@RNAParking.org.
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Our Events and Communications Committee manages RNA social media, announcements, and myriad special events and celebrations.
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From time to time, RNA forms and operates ad hoc (temporary) volunteer committees to pursue a discrete, time-limited objective. A member of the Board serves as an ex officio member of each ad hoc committee. Ad hoc committees may be chaired by members of RNA. Committee chairs report on activities at each regular RNA membership meeting.
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Our Placemaking Committee is helping to clarify and articulate the identity of Riverside and accelerate neighbor connections and civic engagement.
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Our Nominating Committee convenes every two years to identify candidates to serve on the Board of Directors and periodically convenes to seek a replacement for a departing Board member.
Social Events
Periodically, we replace our regular business meetings with social events where, typically at a neighborhood bar or restaurant, we gather to meet neighbors and enjoy each other’s company.
Social events are publicized through our email list and on our Facebook pages.
Community Meetings
Our neighborhood meetings are generally held the last Monday of each month (except November and December, which are combined in a year-end meeting on the second Monday in December). We meet the Monday prior to recognized Monday holidays. We do not meet in August.
Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m., and generally take a little over an hour.
Our meetings are hybrid; in person at Salem Lutheran Church’s lower level “Third Space,” 1530 Battery Ave., and via Zoom.
Zoom meeting details are posted on our Facebook page, on our Facebook “RNA Neighbor Connect” group, and by email to our subscribing neighbors.
Meeting Minutes
Click here to view RNA business meeting minutes.
How Can You Help?
Your special talents, interests, knowhow, or passion can help us capture opportunities and meet the everyday challenges of life in our beautiful neighborhood.
In addition to this website, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Join our mailing list, take part in our monthly community meetings, or reach out and volunteer with one of our social events, special project, or one of our committees to help improve our community.
What is your passion? Sustainability? Social events? Public affairs? Green spaces? City services? Fundraising? Legal matters? Something entirely different?
If you have an interest in serving or an idea for a new ad hoc or even permanent RNA committee, you are invited to speak up at our monthly community meetings, approach a member of the Board, email us at RNABaltimore@gmail.com.