Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke has pushed for the projects in specific parts of Gresham, Hemlington, Pallister Park and Saltersgill.
The target areas – made up of a small number of streets – were chosen using government data.
Examples of projects being developed include extra activities for young people, a fight back against the nuisance of off-road bikes and new training programmes to help people into work. Residents could also be rewarded for getting involved in community projects.
Mayor Cooke said: “I’ve been out knocking on doors in these areas and speaking to people about their lives.
“We’ve had lots of very honest feedback and suggestions on things we can do to make a difference and give people hope for the future.
“It’s a mixture of taking our services closer to people who need them, making residents aware of what’s on offer and working hard on simple things to improve the look and feel of local areas.
“We’re on the side of decent people who want the best for themselves and where they live. Working together with people and targeting our support in this way can help make Middlesbrough thrive.”
Council teams are now using dedicated funding to trial projects which it’s hoped will create safer estates and give people of all ages new opportunities.
The four areas – one in each of the Council’s four North, East, South and West neighbourhoods – will receive £150,000 per year of specific funding.
They were selected using government data from the Index of Multiple Deprivation on income, jobs, health, education and skills, housing, crime and environment.
On top of the £150,000 funding, the Council will also consider what other grant funding can be used in the areas.
The targeted action is linked to the Council’s priorities of supporting safe and resilient communities, making Middlesbrough a healthy place and creating a successful and ambitious town.
The projects in the four areas complement work being done townwide on increasing the number of youth clubs.
Eleven brand-new clubs or activities will launch thanks to a £240,000 investment to ensure more parts of the town have youth services.
And efforts to help people into work have recently been boosted by the opening of the Council’s Employment and Skills Hub in the Cleveland Centre.
