Small Business Anti-Displacement Network’s Post

Yesterday, City of Boston's Planning Department released its Article 80 Modernization Draft Action Plan for improving the city’s development review process. For too long, the process for community members to provide insights and recommendations on development projects in their neighborhood has been insular, siloed, and far too inaccessible for the average person. Over the past year, Rivera Consulting (RC) with Archipelago Strategies Group, (ASG) and The Lazu Group worked with city staff and residents to reimagine and innovate its approach to community engagement within Article 80. That work combined a thorough review of existing processes, a multitude of interviews with staff throughout the planning and development review teams, focus groups with key external stakeholders, and a review of peer cities that shined a light on different approaches that brought us from Baltimore to Seattle to Toronto. We’re excited to see the course the city is charting now. Our key recommendation for the creation of “Community Advisory Teams” that combines a more holistic portfolio approach for multiple development proposals with city-led educational training for participants is critical for creating a sustainable and community-informed public realm. We are similarly excited that the city is committing to an earlier engagement model that is requiring developers to provide earlier opportunities to the public for direct engagement—a recommendation rooted in our peer city review. At RC we are committed to authentically integrating community engagement into Boston and the Commonwealth's land use and transportation planning. We see this as a breakthrough point to chart a new direction. There remains so much more to do to implement sustainable change and bring this vision to life for residents of the city. We encourage you to check out the draft action plan and provide feedback to the city for Improving our Development Review Process by taking the Action Plan Survey: https://lnkd.in/g3TJaS6H

Over the past four months, I have had the privilege of participating in the WEPOWER Design Fellows program, where I collaborated with a talented group to co-facilitate community dialogues on the design process. Together, we led solution-oriented teams through a series of activations that culminated in the development of the Community Wealth Building Playbook. This experience has been an enriching journey of collective brainstorming, community engagement, and creating pathways for sustainable community development. Building community power means finding solutions within the community by the community. It’s a call to action for local stewardship—working together to create healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities. Community stewardship involves people and organizations stepping up to take responsibility for forming partnerships that drive transformative change at the local and regional levels. A key aspect of community stewardship is supporting local businesses. Successful businesses contribute more in taxes, which in turn provides resources to fund local social amenities and schools. By backing local entrepreneurs and businesses, communities strengthen their economic base and improve their overall quality of life. Community power is most effective when individuals take charge of the issues within their control to address problems in their neighborhoods. Rather than waiting for outsiders to come and solve internal issues, community members actively work together to make their environment better. The basic things might include: 1. Promoting Safety and Responsibility: Ensuring neighborhood safety by looking out for each other, raising responsible and respectful kids, and holding community leaders accountable. 2. Fostering Respect and Dignity: Treating others with kindness and respect, promoting inclusivity, and standing against discrimination. 3. Civic Engagement and Participation: Voting, engaging in community dialogues, and participating in local governance to ensure that community voices are heard. 4. Addressing Social Issues: Organizing discussions on healthy living, tackling substance abuse, empowering youth, and reducing the presence of liquor stores and fast food outlets in the neighborhood. 5. Maintaining Public Spaces: Picking up trash, cutting grass, and addressing home repairs to keep neighborhoods looking clean and safe. By taking these actions, community members build a stronger sense of unity and responsibility. They demonstrate that real change starts from within, and by holding each other accountable, they create a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community. It's about empowering people to be the change they want to see, fostering a culture of cooperation, and building a foundation for a better future. Design Fellows https://lnkd.in/gZu4Mw4C

Community engagement Building on this foundation, the importance of community engagement extends beyond the immediate benefits—it shapes the long-term success and sustainability of our developments. Research from the UK Green Building Council highlights that community-driven projects are 20% more likely to gain planning approval and face fewer delays, ensuring smoother project timelines. Involving local residents not only helps address their concerns but also fosters a shared sense of ownership, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and long-term stewardship. Studies from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies also reveal that developments with strong local partnerships experience an 8% increase in job creation and economic activity. By supporting local businesses and integrating green spaces that promote well-being, we create developments that enhance both the social and economic fabric of the area. Together, we are shaping neighbourhoods where people thrive, building not just homes, but a lasting legacy of community spirit and resilience.

🏘️ Transforming Communities Through Equity in Real Estate 🏘️ Equity in real estate is more than just fair access to housing—it's a powerful force for community transformation. This article, "Revolutionizing Communities: How Equity in Real Estate Transforms Neighborhoods," explores how equitable development is not only reshaping our neighborhoods but also bolstering economic stability, enhancing social cohesion, and ensuring environmental sustainability. From the economic revival in the South Bronx to social integration in Detroit’s historic Packard Plant, discover the significant impact of investing in equity-focused real estate projects. 👉 Ready to see how real estate can drive community change? Click now to read more about the projects making a real difference and learn how equity is key to sustainable development: [Link to full article] #RealEstateInvestment #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanRevival #SocialEquity #EconomicEmpowerment #SustainableCities #EquityInRealEstate #EquityReport

COMMUNITY POWER 🎆 | Our Chief Executive @Tim Davies-Pugh in the @New Statesman on community ownership, featuring our research with More in Common on #LevellingUp. "Local collective ownership is important because – with the control it brings – communities are better able to shape their assets to their needs. Not only that, but it can be the basis for the financial sustainability and self-sufficiency of community business." Read here 👇 https://lnkd.in/e4AXhQdT #CommunityPower #CommunityOwnership

Main Street Matters is open for applications! 🚨 Overview The Main Street Matters (MSM) program is designed to support our downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security. Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs. Uses A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Eligibility Units of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, towns, and home rule municipalities) Redevelopment and/or housing authorities Nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc. Community development corporations Business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities To access the guidelines: https://lnkd.in/gVeKtKkY

UNDERSTANDING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOVERNEMTN HAS A ROLE TO PLAY The role of government in community development is significant and multifaceted. Governments at various levels (local, state, and national) play a crucial role in fostering the social, economic, and environmental well-being of communities. Here are some key roles that governments play in community development: 1. Policy Formulation and Implementation: Governments create policies and regulations that guide and support community development efforts. These policies can cover areas such as urban planning, housing, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, social services, and environmental protection. 2. Resource Allocation: Governments allocate resources, including funding, grants, and support programs, to promote community development initiatives. These resources can be used to improve infrastructure, provide essential services, support small businesses, and address social issues. 3. Infrastructure Development: Governments are responsible for building and maintaining critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public transportation, water supply, and sanitation systems. Infrastructure development is essential for enhancing the quality of life and promoting economic growth in communities. 4. Economic Development: Governments support economic development in communities by promoting business growth, attracting investments, creating job opportunities, and supporting entrepreneurship. They may offer incentives, tax breaks, and other supports to stimulate economic activity. 5. Social Services: Governments provide essential social services such as healthcare, education, housing assistance, and welfare programs to ensure the well-being of community members, particularly those in need. 6. Community Engagement and Participation: Governments engage with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to involve them in decision-making processes, planning, and implementation of development projects. Community participation is crucial for ensuring that development initiatives meet the needs and priorities of the local population. 7. Environmental Protection: Governments regulate and enforce environmental policies to protect natural resources, mitigate pollution, and promote sustainable development practices. Environmental sustainability is critical for the long-term well-being of communities. 8. Disaster Response and Management: Governments play a key role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to protect communities from natural or man-made disasters. Overall, the government's role in community development is to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth, social equity, and well-being. Collaboration between government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and residents is essential to achieve holistic and inclusive development outcomes

Community Development professionals: Please read the comments, below. I am not automatically siding with the contractor or developer on this, and I've removed the jurisdictions name as a courtesy, but this is the perception of what we do in some jurisdictions and, whether it is right, wrong or even fair or not; perception is everything. Be cognizant of what you say and how you say it in all interactions with the public. The Scope of the post where these came from: 1. "Municipal extortion? What in the actual f.. is happening? This group of esteemed gentlemen from the City of _____, WA, demand a buttload of money a year after the project was finished, the certificate of occupancy issued, and the building changed hands. They are going after the contractor’s bond. A few minor warranty claims I can understand and happy to oblige.   But the attitude of “We're not here to negotiate, this is what we want…” is not a way to grow the city.   My favorite from the on-site meeting: “You have to remove crosswalk striping; it doesn’t meet our standards… we don't want people crossing here” and “Your ADA ramp also doesn’t meet code.”   “Okay,” I said, “but why would you require an ADA ramp and curb cut to the road where you do not have a crosswalk?”   “That’s what the code requires!” 🤯   To the question why wasn’t this inspected prior to the certificate of occupancy, the answer was that we “were so rushed to finish…”   No comment.   Oh, and put the cherry on top, we have to design something that wasn’t designed or permitted before, get it approved, and then build, while we are no longer the property owners. Why would any developer ever want to build anything there? What a waste of time and money!" 2. "I’m not a developer but am joining with one to build some ‘missing middle’ homes on the Eastside. I was able to join my first ever planning Zoom call and was appalled at how the city employees (one in particular) were treating the architect leading the call. It was actually hostile and I reported it to the city Mayor who said she would look into it… yet the lunacy continued with more unreasonable demands and changes to the rules after the plan approval. I now see first hand why housing is so expensive in this area. Yes, some cost is down to high demand and low supply (difficult to control) but a significant portion is down to out of control regulation and civic employees who lack civility (easy to control)! If you want affordable housing then be sure to vote for business friendly politicians next time and not activists who sound good but deliver the opposite results because they haven’t a clue what it takes to run a business or build a structure!" 3. "and then they wonder why housing is expensive. It takes years to get a permit after jumping through all kinds of hoops, and then you get them to demand things as they go along. It’s a power trip that hurts the community..." #communitydevelopment #codeofficial #developmentservices #construction #customerservice

Ever wondered why community can be the cornerstone of happiness and success? In this picture, you might see me looking incredibly happy, or perhaps even a bit crazy, and there's a good reason for that. It's because of my deep love for my community, my network, my friends. As the head of community building behind The Folson Group, I’ve seen firsthand how a strong, engaged community can transform NYC coops and condos, making them more efficient, sustainable, and ultimately, more livable. Community isn't just a buzzword; it's the lifeblood of any successful project. Whether it's rallying support for a new sustainability initiative or navigating the complexities of project management, a united community can move mountains (or at least bricks and projects). Speaking of, this Thursday, I’m excited to be speaking with Meridith Grundei ✨ on a LinkedIn Live about this very topic. We’ll dive deep into how fostering a strong community can lead to massive success. Join us for what promises to be an enlightening conversation. Dropping the link in the comments. If you found this post insightful, please give it a like, leave a comment with your thoughts or experiences, and share it with your network. Let's spread the word about the power of community! #Community #Sustainability #ProjectManagement

28 Credentials of Entrepreneur 28COE- Empowering Communities Through Innovative Development Initiatives In a rapidly changing world, the concept of community development has taken on new dimensions and is more crucial than ever before. Communities are the lifeblood of society, and ensuring their well-being and growth requires proactive and innovative strategies. This is where community development initiatives come into play. These initiatives, often led by passionate community leaders and organizations, aim to uplift communities by addressing a range of social, economic, and environmental issues. In this blog, we will explore the significance and impact of community development initiatives. The Essence of Community Development Initiatives Community development initiatives are collaborative efforts that empower communities to take control of their futures. These initiatives focus on identifying local needs, creating sustainable solutions, and building the capacity of community members to implement these solutions effectively. Key Components of Successful Community Development Initiatives Community Engagement: Successful initiatives begin with active community engagement. Residents, business owners, and local organizations should be involved in the planning and decision-making processes from the outset. Needs Assessment: Understanding the specific needs and challenges of a community is fundamental. This involves gathering data, conducting surveys, and speaking directly to community members. Partnerships: Collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions can provide valuable resources and expertise to support community initiatives. Capacity Building: Empowering community members with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and sustain initiatives is essential. This includes training in project management, leadership, and financial literacy. Sustainability: Effective initiatives are built to last. They consider long-term impacts and are designed to continue making positive changes even after the initial project is completed. The Transformative Power of Community Development Economic Growth: Community development initiatives can create jobs, attract businesses, and stimulate economic growth in underserved areas. Social Inclusion: These initiatives often target marginalized populations, providing them with opportunities for education, skills development, and civic engagement, fostering social inclusion. Improved Infrastructure: Initiatives can lead to better infrastructure, including upgraded roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. Environmental Sustainability: Many initiatives focus on environmental stewardship, promoting sustainability practices and mitigating the impact of climate change #GratienMukeshimana #28COE #28coeecosystem #CommunityEmpowerment #community https://lnkd.in/dhVb5ZP3