One of the greatest gifts of living in a small town like Mountain View is how closely our lives are woven together. In a big city, it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd. But here, we celebrate each other’s milestones as neighbors and friends.
This week, I was reminded once again of this beautiful aspect of living in a small town. Walking the dog the other day, we stopped to say hello to Charlie—the puppy on Benton who has grown from a rambunctious ball of energy into a full-grown dog in what feels like the blink of an eye. On that same walk, I ran into Sue on Ames, who has generously been helping me keep up with my own yard maintenance—how lucky we are to have neighbors who lend a hand!
I love hearing about vacation plans, like neighbors on Ames who are returning from Greece soon, and I enjoy swapping recommendations with neighbors—whether it’s sharing a great doctor with a neighbor on Depew, or passing along a restaurant tip to someone on Chase. These small, everyday conversations are part of what makes Mountain View feel like home.
This summer, several couples in town are expecting their first children, and another couple recently tied the knot (congratulations Katie and Ryland!) We gather for seasonal holidays, we cheer each other on during graduations, anniversaries, and birthdays, and we support one another through life’s harder moments too. That’s the beauty of small town life—we share not just a place, but a sense of belonging.
Of course, we don’t always see eye to eye on every issue. But even when we disagree, we’re united by a common commitment to community—to working together, listening to one another, and finding ways to move forward with respect and care.
As a municipality, we’ve built in ways to support that spirit of neighborliness. This month, for example, we come together to celebrate our Mountain View Police Department during MVPD Appreciation Month, recognizing their ongoing service and dedication to our safety. We will also have a movie in the park on Saturday, July 12th, and in August we will hold our annual picnic which is planned as a Pig Roast with hula dancers and outdoor games this year!
Also worth mentioning as a community support—each year, Council sets aside funds in our budget to provide free mediation services for residents—whether you’re facing a neighbor dispute, a landlord-tenant issue, or just need some extra help navigating a conflict, these resources are available to support peaceful resolution and healthy relationships.
I encourage everyone to take part in the joys of small town self-governance. Come to a meeting, share your thoughts, attend an event, or reach out if you need assistance. Our Comprehensive Plan reminds us that our social fabric is one of Mountain View’s greatest strengths—we are not just a municipality, we are a neighborhood. And that’s what makes our little town so fun, so resilient, and so special.
