Joe Brehm

The TLC's inventory includes rakes, shovels, sledgehammers, lawn mowers and weed-whackers. The Home Depot donated many of the tools. Brehm said the tools have been especially helpful for people who do not have the necessary or working tools to clean up their homes and yards.

In addition to implementing new ideas, Brehm serves as the city liaison to neighborhood and homeowner association groups. He is the point of contact for residents who have concerns or questions about issues such as parks and streets.

Brehm has also worked with residents to form neighborhood or homeowner associations in areas that lack them.

"The [neighborhood groups] we have formed or reformed since I've been here, the residents have unequivocally said they are much better for it because they get a concentrated voice and input on issues," he said. "Neighborhoods getting together and getting organized is a huge benefit to them."

Bryan Williams, Round Rock assistant city manager, said City Council created the neighborhood services coordinator position after determining that a focus on neighborhoods should be a top city priority. He said Brehm was a natural fit for the position because he worked for the city of Prescott, Arizona, and had experience working with a previous city manager.

Brehm said he was introduced to public service while serving as a Mesa Police Explorer during high school. Brehm went on to work for the Arizona State University Police Department in college. At the recommendation of a city manager, he pursued his master's degree in public administration. He said he was drawn to city management jobs because they bring new challenges and opportunities every day.

"You don't always deal with the same problems. It's always something different," he said. "It's a really varied job description. I really latched onto that."

Job duties of the neighborhood services coordinator:

Build neighborhood programs: Joe Brehm implements ideas intended to help neighborhoods and neighborhood groups. He has launched programs such as the Tool Lending Center and neighborhood conferences.

Act as neighborhood liaison for city issues: Brehm is the point of contact for residents with questions or concerns about issues such as streets, parks and police. Bryan Williams, Round Rock assistant city manager, said this is his primary job responsibility.

Neighborhood watch training: Brehm coordinates and takes parts in neighborhood watch training sessions with Round Rock police officers.

Neighborhood cleanups

With the Tool Lending Center that provides a variety of tools that can be borrowed for neighborhood beautification efforts, Joe Brehm, Round Rock neighborhood services coordinator, said the city will play a role in future organized Round Rock neighborhood cleanup efforts.

During the April downtown cleanup effort that marked the launch of the TLC, volunteers and residents set a record by removing 32 tons of material, not including brush. Brehm said the previous record was 20 tons, including brush.

Brehm said the neighborhood cleanups provide multiple benefits.

"Not only do they clean up the neighborhood, but [they] also provide an opportunity for the neighbors to come together and spend time with each other," he said. "What I like to do is a work-hard-play-hard kind of deal. You do a neighborhood cleanup in the morning, then everyone comes together for a block party."