Ave Maria Civic Association: Giving Residents a Stronger Voice
Aerial of Ave Maria Town Center and surrounding residential communities.
Positive interaction between government officials and their constituents builds trust, encourages civic engagement and leads to better governance. That’s the guiding principle behind the Ave Maria Civic Association (AMCA), formed to be a central resource for Ave Maria residents seeking answers and advocating for community needs.
The idea for AMCA came from Collier County Commissioner Bill McDaniel, who saw a need for a unified voice in Ave Maria, a community large enough to face shared challenges but not yet incorporated as a municipality. “There are numerous subdivisions, and often no way to communicate between them,” McDaniel said. “This way, communities can come together and know where to turn with questions.”
McDaniel, a Collier County resident for over 44 years, was present in 2002 when the Board of County Commissioners approved the creation of Ave Maria. AMCA now serves as a conduit for communication between residents, county officials and other stakeholders.
In just a short time, nearly 70 residents have joined AMCA. The group has taken on projects such as opposing the expansion of Naples Airport, researching wastewater environmental impacts, and partnering with the Ave Maria Master Association and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to promote bicycle, e-scooter and golf cart safety.
“Community reaction has been positive as many realize they have a voice in what goes on,” said AMCA president Kevin Schang. “We provide an avenue to get the attention of community leaders, builders and developers.”
Ave Maria Civic Association Board, L to R: Secretary Ronny Lambotte, Director Gayle Marie Grace, President Kevin Schang, Vice President Joe Cortina and Treasurer Jeff Plys.
By maintaining open lines of communication, AMCA helps officials make more informed decisions and ensures residents can actively participate in the democratic process. “We strive to inform both members and elected officials about issues important to the community,” Schang said. “This gives our elected officials a better handle on what matters to their constituents.”
As AMCA continues to grow, its goal remains clear: strengthen the link between residents and local government, advocate for community priorities and keep Ave Maria a great place to live.
For more information about joining or participating in AMCA initiatives, residents are encouraged to connect directly with the association.