The Newtowne-West Neighborhood Improvement Program began in 1987 as a housing repair grant program. That program provided for a variety of "interim" housing assistance and neighborhood improvement activities aimed at helping the Newtowne-West Civic League address the immediate housing needs of lower-income tenants and homeowners.

The comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Program began in 1990 as a direct result of the neighborhood planning effort conducted by the city of Richmond's Department of Community Development during 1989 and City Council's rezoning of the neighborhood from industrial to residential use.

The Newtowne-West Revitalization Plan now includes the construction of new, affordable single-family homes; the clearing dilapidated structures; and the provision of Housing Repair Grants and affordable homeownership through SMART HOMES and Habitat for Humanity.

Newtowne-West has also been designated as a Neighborhood in Bloom, by the city of Richmond.