Creating Whole Communities
Enhancing the Capacity of Community
Development Nonprofits in the St. Louis Region
Over the past decade the “Core” of St. Louis has seen a decline in population while the suburbs and surrounding areas have seen an increase in population. This transferring or shifting of populations is putting a strain on the metropolitan area. It is creating more traffic congestion, pollution and loss of interest in preserving the history of St. Louis. So what can St. Louis do to build a stronger and more stable communities?
This article suggests three interventions that need to take place. 1. St. Louis needs to increase its capacity for strategic community development, which basically means they need to provide more services that result in making more “whole communities.” This article states that a “whole community” is one that has a diverse housing stock, multiple modes of transportation, successful schools, sustainable energy practices, vibrant public spaces and strong civic participation. 2. Create a supportive community development system. This requires that government, public policy, agencies and community resources come together to create a community development plan that works for everyone. 3. Increase community development corporations (CDC). These CDC’s need to come from within the community, its residents and key stakeholders in order to be effective.
By doing these three things we can create a more stable structure for not only the residents of St. Louis but also for the surrounding areas. I think the most important thing that I took away from this article is the importance of the CDC’s to the vitality of the community, regardless of whether they are small or large. The CDC’s provide resources, ideas and stability to a community. Without these organizations it will be almost impossible for a community to become a “whole community.”
This was a great summary of the article. I also wanted to add the statistic that they said about, "Research shows that as little as 3 to 5 percent abandoned properties can generate contagious abandonment that can bring the whole neighborhood down." It made me think of the JVL experience we had, when Marty and Father Gary were saying that when there are abandoned buildings there are many factors that bring the neighborhood down. The smell and the break ins are two of the ones I remembered. So, I think this issue could be helped by increasing the community development corporations. And by doing that by reaching out to the community for help, it will get the community involved and more passionate about making their community a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteAli you make a great point about the property values; that is not a very high percentage of abandoned properties and for it to have such an impact on the whole neighborhood is a little scary. I never really thought about this aspect before until Marty and Father Gary were talking about it but even still I did not link it back to this article. Another thing I never really thought about was that an abandoned building would smell.
ReplyDeleteI think that the implementation strategies will help the metropolitan community to thrive if they follow the outlined plans. Along with abandoned properties Ali and Kara I think that crime needs to decrease in those areas. My parents live in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and I cant believe some of things they tell me. Granted all over things are happening, but I think a better police force that the residents can trust will ensure more safety.
ReplyDeleteYes, Fashion crime is a huge factor. Safety is one of the biggest factors to our wellbeing as humans. People need to feel safe in their communities in order for people to want to stay.
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