The Town of Prescott Valley has hired Stephanie Robinson, former City of Avondale Director of Neighborhood and Family Services, to head up the Town’s new Neighborhood Services Department.
In Avondale, Robinson managed a $5.9 million budget and provided oversite for a 40- 
member team in the areas of human services, community development, revitalization, code enforcement, youth development, senior services, housing, and capacity building. Among her notable achievements, Robinson oversaw the development and implementation of the Avondale Education and Community Engagement Initiative through the establishment of VISTA and NCCC programs; increased community use of a multi-faceted Resource Center by 250 percent in two years while simultaneously decreasing municipal funding and increasing public-private partnerships and human services programs; developed a Transit Coordination team to provide strategic oversight for a $4 million federally funded program, and created the first Curb Appeal Guide and Home Maintenance Guide for City of Avondale residents.
Robinson is a master’s in public administration candidate at Grand Canyon University, holds a B.S. in Political Science from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and a Certificate in Leading, Educating and Developing (LEAD) Executive Management Academy from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The opportunity to use her background and skills in a new department drew Robinson to Prescott Valley. “The Town is interested in having that advocacy and community engagement,” she said. “If you can figure out what goes on in neighborhoods, you can solve most of the concerns people have.”
Robinson also said she is excited to work with the Town and its staff. “Everyone is extremely welcoming and willing to help each other. That work environment resonated with me more than anything else,” she said. “I’m extremely excited and looking forward to working in Prescott Valley.”
The new Neighborhood Services Department has been created to meet the needs of the community’s neighborhoods, and will encompass Animal Services (formerly Animal Control), Code Enforcement, and community outreach programs such as Adopt a Street, Neighborhood Toolbox, Graffiti abatement, Non-Profit Assistance Programs, Landlord Tenant Information, Neighborhood Assistance Programs, Pet Nurturing and Veterinarian Assistance Programs, Neighborhood Clean-up and other needed community assistance programs.
The creation of the new Department enables Prescott Valley to provide a higher level of attention, outreach, and response to its various neighborhoods and resident needs. The new department will also promote the development of attainable and diverse housing options in new and established neighborhoods.
Robinson is expected to be on board on October 16.
