The city’s fledgeling Neighbor-to-Neighbor program is marching into its second year, undaunted by the lack of funds.

“We challenge the neighborhoods to come up with a project that can be done with volunteers and materials on hand,” said Kathleen Landel, assistant to Mayor Paul Samuelson and coordinator of the program.

“The city will provide technical expertise and project support,” she added.

Last year’s inaugural Neighbor-to-Neighbor effort was underwritten by $1,200 from the Langley Community Club. The club bowed out this year.

“They’ve been hit by the same economic issues as everybody else,” Landel said.

Last year, neighbors collaborated on such projects as entryway beautification, alley-naming and a combination bench and worm bin for the sustainable community garden behind Langley Middle School. In all, six groups participated.

This year, the focus is on projects that can be accomplished on the cheap, with special emphasis on emergency preparedness, Landel said.

Lynn Sterbenz, city emergency preparedness coordinator, has a list of ideas on how neighbors can help each other in the event of a power outage or snowstorm. Her number is 221-4246, ext. 839.

The city also urges neighborhoods to focus on resource conservation, Landel said. She said residents are encouraged to host neighborhood coffee gatherings, at which city staff members will attend to offer advice.

The deadline to submit a project application is

May 18, Landel said. Applications can be picked up at city hall, or downloaded from the city Web site, www.langleywa.org/neighbor

2neighbor.html.