The City of Cupertino, California instituted the Neighborhood Block Leader Program in order to deal with the profound demographic changes of the last quarter century. Because of the need for increased community safety and awareness, the city partnered with the block leaders to enhance core municipal services and empower citizens to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The intercultural understanding this program has fostered stronger bonds between different ethnic groups. Likewise the Neighborhood Block Leaders Program has played a vital role in community emergency management.