I want to start a neighborhood association to help promote my business (house painting) and also deliver added conveniences to the area (discount trash - unified garage sales - planned bbqs).

How do I best initiate and succeed at such a plan when the task is arduous and cumbersome? (apathetic neighbors and a city's red tape.)

repairmanj

Thank you. Please read my question again, however. I seek advice on how to best proceed with my plan to start a neighborhood association to deliver a long list of benefits for me and my business.

House painting is indeed local. Most contracting work goes through word of mouth, although advertising is a necessity.
What I am not clear on is where a 'neighborhood association' fits in with your business plan.
And to 'deliver a long list of benefits' to you is wonderful, but is not what an association is about. Benefits should be for all members, by definition.
Please explain.