1. Research, Engage, & Lift Up Local Ideas See, Listen, & Learn
Neighborhood Activation requires a wholeof-government approach that is grounded in community aspirations, relevant precedents, and the physical, social, and political realities of each neighborhood. The methodology for gathering information includes the five steps outlined below.
C. Engage & Partner with Community Stakeholders Community residents and stakeholders are the real experts on their neighborhoods. It’s paramount to follow what they determine will work, what doesn‘t, what‘s underway, and what needs support to get started.
A. Engage City Agencies & Departments Deep but often siloed knowledge of current initiatives, planned capital investments, and policy exists among agency employees. As a first step, interview agencies to centralize their knowledge base. Then, establish weekly working group meetings to facilitate collaboration.
D. Investigate Sites Walk the sites, meet the neighbors, and experience the programs to know how to reinforce and connect what already works.
B. Engage Philanthropic Organizations Look for strategic partnerships with philanthropic organizations. Learn from their experience investing in neighborhood safety causes. Actively fundraise to support implementation and build local capacity.
E. Review Literature, Documents, & History Search out information and data points that indicate effective strategies for improving social cohesion and economic opportunity through the built environment. Build a foundation of knowledge about the history, culture, and urban condition of the focus neighborhood in particular. Examine a wide variety of documents, including reports, planning initiatives, maps, and photos.
Articles from various news sources supplemented the team’s understanding of the key people, places, and programs on the west side of Chicago. 24
Approach
