The City of Peoria is again asking neighbors to point out the quiet acts of kindness that stitch neighborhoods together as nominations opened this month for the 2026 Good Neighbor Program.
Small gestures, visible impact
City officials say the program celebrates people who regularly check on elderly neighbors, bring in trash cans, water plants while someone is away or simply spend time with someone who lives alone — actions that often go unnoticed but help build stronger community ties.
Community Engagement Coordinator Lori Benjamin described the initiative as a simple way for residents to recognize neighbors who help make Peoria a better place without seeking recognition. She told News Block it’s a chance to highlight everyday contributions that might otherwise go unremarked.
“It’s just a feel-good program where residents can nominate neighbors for things that they do on an everyday basis that might not get recognized,” Benjamin said.
How to nominate and what winners receive
Nominations for the 2026 Good Neighbor Program are being accepted online and via paper applications at several city facilities, including Peoria libraries, the Rio Vista Community Center and the Neighborhood and Human Services office. The city moved the nomination window earlier in the year so it can announce the recipient near National Good Neighbor Day on Sept. 28.
- Deadline: Nominations accepted through July 31.
- Where to submit: Online or paper forms at city libraries, Rio Vista Community Center and the Neighborhood & Human Services office.
- Award: Recognition from the city, a $50 gift card to a local business and the option to host a neighborhood block party.
- All nominees: Starting this year every nominee receives a T-shirt reading, “This is what a good neighbor looks like.”
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nomination period | Through July 31, 2026 |
| Recognition | City acknowledgement, $50 local gift card, block party opportunity |
| Additional nominee gift | Commemorative T-shirt |
Program growth and local meaning
Launched in 2022 and aligned with National Good Neighbor Day, the program has grown each year as awareness spread. Benjamin said reading nominations has reinforced that no act of kindness is too small. She expressed a hope that the community will continue to share stories of caring, saying she would welcome “hundreds of nominations” so the city can spotlight more residents.
For Peoria residents, the program offers more than a one-time award. It creates a moment for neighbors to notice one another, strengthens connections across blocks and can spur more grassroots support for older or isolated residents. The block party element also gives winners a way to celebrate with those who benefit from and witness their efforts.
Residents who want to nominate a neighbor should gather a brief description of the act(s) they want recognized and submit the nomination before the July 31 deadline. As the city prepares to name its 2026 Good Neighbor around National Good Neighbor Day in September, organizers say the roundup of nominations provides a window into everyday generosity across Peoria.
