Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Post

I have attended this conference at various times throughout my 21 years as a real estate professional... so it is a real honor to be selected as a presenter/panelist on the topic of proactive, authentic community engagement and integration as an essential aspect of affordable housing development at this year's Florida Housing Coalition Annual Statewide Affordable Housing Conference🏘💥💯. Session Deets: Turn Opposers to Supporters: Tips for Engaging Elected Officials and Stakeholders to Overcome NIMBYs Tuesday, August 27 at 3:45pm Moderator: Suzanne Cabrera, CFRE Speakers: Christic Henry, George Kruse, Jon D. Brown, Ellen O'Conner, John Rodriguez Session Summary: Too often, housing advocates struggle to gain the support of local elected officials as well as neighbors in their plans to increase housing for those most in need. When they do, at times they are met with concerns about public perceptions, lack of funding or the desire to maintain the status quo of neighborhoods. In this interactive session, participants will explore proactive strategies to address NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) opposition in housing and community development projects, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, building trust, collaboration, and understanding with stakeholders, and getting to yes with your local officials by properly framing the request. I look forward to interacting with attendees and co-presenters on this topic... and I promise to go live📸😊. #innovation #affordability #accessibility #attainable #housingforall #community #value #trustbuilding #consensusmatters #annualhousingconference #FHC

It’s been two weeks since we launched our Toronto’s Vital Signs report at Toronto Foundation and I’m still energized by that day. Having nearly 300 people in a room to celebrate a project you’ve led for nearly a year is overwhelming. If you live in the city, this is a must-read! The report provides a comprehensive picture of the city across 10 issue areas (housing, arts, environment etc.), all through the lens of social capital—how people relate to one another. The findings are stark: 37% of people in Toronto are lonely, making our city one of the loneliest in the country. We’re also less engaged with others, participation in groups is down 30% versus before the pandemic. These numbers and so many more point to significant declines in our connections with one another and broader civic participation. That’s why we made this one of the most actionable reports including dozens of recommendations on how to restore that connection between us and our city. We also launched a public campaign, The Power of Us, enlisting dozens of organizations across the city to commit to an act of civic optimism and partnered with Volunteer Toronto to create a microgrant program for anyone to be a catalyst in their community. Read the report, reflect on the findings, and let’s all find a way to reconnect again. https://lnkd.in/gvkZ7iKF

So often we hear conversations about “density” and adding density. To me, the biggest challenge is applying these ideas to areas outside of urban cores. I sat next to a gentleman this weekend who made the point of “proximity” and how proximity is really the driver for blending this conversation between urban/suburb/rural. The “one-mile-radius” is a great example of this proximity and how ALL communities can think about proximity and how we crave it. That proximity will be different from the urban core vs Main Street USA, but it is important recognize that these proximities exist in all type of communities.

The “one-mile-radius” effect is a positive wave of impact that builds momentum neighborhood by neighborhood. As neighborhoods become hubs of community more partners enter that community and other neighborhoods begin to enter a period of revitalization, eventually creating a stronger, healthier community at a city’s core. Learn more about the one-mile-radius principle in my latest blog.

The City of Danville is excited to announce matching grant funding for registered Neighborhood Associations located within Danville. The Neighborhood Association Matching Grant Program (NAMGP) offers $100 - $2500 Matching Grants for Neighborhood Improvement! Purpose: To engage neighborhood members in volunteer service to address important, small-scale needs. These improvements are generally too small for city government to prioritize, but too large for a neighborhood to independently address. With this program, people will get to know neighbors, take ownership of their neighborhoods, and find pride in the place where they live. We are hopeful that the NAMGP will increase Neighborhood Association activity in the City of Danville, empowering them to complete projects in their communities to enhance their quality of life and the overall quality of life for the citizens of Danville. We want to foster strong and vibrant communities along with camaraderie in neighborhoods. It is our hope that Neighborhood Associations will engage with this program annually, with a chance at improving their neighborhood bit by bit, year upon year. As pride grows in neighborhoods, we hope that community members will spend more time walking and working outside, keeping their yards clean, and continually improving their properties. The NAMGP will serve as a tool to build strong relationships between the city government and neighborhood residents while developing neighborhoods and helping them thrive. By providing resources and concrete services to address self-identified neighborhood priorities, this program fosters a sense of trust and partnership between the city and its constituents while making lasting change throughout the city. Read the full news story here: https://lnkd.in/g3_hGCJK

In 2022, we discussed ways for residents to get more actively involved in Sustainability, Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, Community Safety, and Civic Engagement. In 2023, we talked about Our Public Schools, Traveling Around Town, Building Community with Renters and Landlords, and Planning and Development in the Heights. WHAT will be our topics for Crowdsourced Conversations 2024??? That’s where you come in. When you click the link below, you’ll find a list of topics nominated by past Crowdsourced Conversations forum attendees. You are welcome to vote for as many topics as you’d like — but we recommend focusing on the Top 4 that you want to see in next year’s series. Voting is LIVE until the end of the day on Friday, January 5, 2024. The Top 4 vote-getters will become our 2024 Crowdsourced Conversations forum series. 2024 topics will be announced early in the new year. Any questions, connect with Sarah – [email protected]. VOTE HERE: https://lnkd.in/eHMPTi-a

I don't know if there will be more reporting on this, but several things need to be said. 1. Jeana Dunlap is an outstanding board member. She has been doing community development in the name of the people for decades. From an academic and professional experience perspective, she is the most qualified person in that room. Full stop. 2. The Louisville Urban League, Inc. has a seat on the WEOP Board. We didn't ask for it, and like the community, we didn't even know it was happening. Nevertheless, we filled our seat and endeavored to act in the best interest of West End residents whenever we were present. 3. After several League representatives made it clear that there were clear concerns about trust and transparency, the League intentionally paused it's engagement with the Board to assess next steps. 4. During that time, the current Interim WEOP President, without the knowledge or approval of the board, asked legislators to amend the statute so that unfilled board positions could be removed or changed. This action was concerning then, as it is now. Here's why: 5. Under the current statute, the board can already change its bylaws without legislative action. To codify things into the statute hinders the board's ability to change and self-govern. Ultimately, it weakens them and thus weakens the voice of the community. It is unnecessary, but especially problematic because the board has yet to ask for or approve such an intrusion. I have appealed to Sen. Denise Harper Angel, the bill's sponsor. Let's not continue this practice of undermining the community by making legislative changes without the full knowledge and approval of the board. Doing so only deepens the distrust people have. Withdraw the bill. https://lnkd.in/duKuyhdH

Join me on March 26th for a discourse around community structure and design. This is one of the hottest topics for community builders - to identify the best way to present their community concept. Maybe you are thinking about launching a course, or a group - you'll want to join this conversation, that's what we will be talking all about! How do you decide on a self-study course or a live course? How do you know the right time to launch a new membership? How much content should you have prepared before you open your community? What is the best way for you to share your expertise and experiences with others? Let's chat - Join the Community Builders with Purpose community https://lnkd.in/eTQZYnUK #communitydesign #communitystructure #communitycourse #onlinecourse

Transforming Education Through Community Partnerships Discover the invaluable impact of community partnerships on education. Learn how collaboration between organizations and educators can revolutionize the educational system, bridging the gap between traditional and community sides. Gain insights into the essential aspects that both community organizations and school districts need to understand for successful partnerships. Alli Privitt, M.A. Peter Hostrawser #EducationTransformation #CommunityPartnerships #BridgingTheGap #CollaborativeEducation #CommunityEngagement #EnrichingEducation #EducatorsAndOrganizations #RevolutionizingEducation #EducationReform #CollaborativeLearning

Best Practices for Community Partnerships 🤝 💛 Building partnerships between school and the community is a core idea in place-based education. As we start this process with schools looking to enhance their place-based teaching and learning, we often start with mapping the assets – potential, past, and current community partners – that could be or are already working with a school. For more information about how your school can begin using a place-based approach, email [email protected].