Cities Created by Everyone
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”
This quote, by renowned urban activist Jane Jacobs, emphasizes the importance of equitable representation. Cities created by everybody, as Jacobs states, is only possible when there is equitable participation in the community building process.
While change is a natural aspect within the planning field, I have come to learn in my career as an urban planner that there is one aspect of consistency within the community building process: Every community is home to individuals who are dedicated to building a better future. These are the people who rise to become avid leaders, invested professionally and personally in neighborhood growth and revitalization.
Key to Community Revitalization
A key component to community change is generating impactful partnerships. Stakeholders must represent all aspects of the public, private, and non-profit sectors to be truly impactful. Bridging each of these sectors builds a platform for collaboration in which stakeholders become a unified network.
This type of diverse yet unified network of stakeholders is far more capable of fully accessing the tools and resources necessary for urban revitalization. Together, the vision of an individual becomes part of a powerful, shared vision among an entire group. Together, they gain the ability to initiate effective and positive change.
An Example of Partnership
As an Urban Planner for Steadfast City, I have seen partnerships serve as the foundation for change. I have also seen partnerships overcome social and economic challenges and pave the way for reinvestment into once forgotten communities.
For example, Steadfast City worked with a St. Louis-based, non-profit community development corporation (CDC) to establish Chapter 99 Redevelopment Areas within the City of St. Louis. With a concrete development plan and the support of community and government partners, the Chapter 99s were successfully brought to fruition. Moreover, the result has compounded with the CDC’s ability to secure funds for future development projects within the Chapter 99 Redevelopment Areas.
With the technical assistance of Steadfast City, The CDC obtained nearly half a million dollars in gap financing from the Community Development Administration of St. Louis. These funds will be applied to the development of new, single-family homes within the city’s urban core. It was the collaboration amongst multiple entities and stakeholders that allowed the vision for community change to be realized.
Gaining Momentum
As momentum in community investment continues to grow, Steadfast City recognizes the importance of equitable representation and diverse partnerships. I believe that this type of unified network of diverse people will together shape our cities in the future.
