Reasoning & Evidence
Residents understand their neighborhoods more intimately than urban planners; they have insight into the values, beliefs, needs, and priorities of their communities. Participatory design processes integrate resident perspectives through democratization in the design process. Using participatory design can amplify resident voices and empower underserved populations to take ownership of their communities by centering narratives that urban planners do not experience.(46) Involving residents directly creates an atmosphere of social inclusion and helps prioritize community needs. Multiple studies show that involving residents in redevelopment plans and problem solving efforts for neighborhoods undergoing revitalization can serve as a buffer to avoid negative effects from gentrification.(47, 48) Planners are often disincentivized from using participatory design processes, as incorporating resident feedback can extend the timeline of development. To overcome this barrier, it is important to highlight positive examples of participatory design that encourage its use.
Certain conditions promote effective resident-led initiatives and participatory design. To ensure equal representation and socially equitable initiatives, urban planners can open visioning meetings to the public that encourage civility and respectful listening. Focusing on including diverse perspectives into design processes generates projects that can foster a sense of belonging among residents and nurture social engagement.(48, 15) Supporting resident-led initiatives and development requires financial leverage, a resident-led structure, a physical space for meetings, and connections with external agencies.(49) A pilot study at the Denver Housing Authority Westridge apartments exemplified these conditions during a resident-led project to increase building sustainability. The project was initiated by an engineering team who recruited residents to lead. Through a resident liaison, resident council, and resident leaders, over 60% of the community contributed to the project resulting in sustainability measures that prioritized what the community needed.(50) This practice guide argues for “resident champions” to become facilitators of community connection and offers ideas for resident-led activities that can foster community involvement.
Examples of Community Implementation
United States: The national Love Your Block program is implemented in many cities in the U.S. that funds resident-led revitalization projects. Residents take part in improving their communities through activities like spring clean ups, transforming vacant lots into neighborhood gardens, and repairing playground equipment. In 33 states, this program gives neighbors opportunities to meet one another through civic participation, generates a sense of community and trust in neighborhoods, and strengthens social cohesion and social connection.(51)
Charlottesville, Virginia: The Kindlewood community, formerly known as Friendship Court, is using resident engagement measures to prevent displacement from redevelopment. The master block previously had strong African-American neighborhood cohesion, which was erased during Urban Renewal. In order to preserve the cultural roots of this community, The Piedmont Housing Alliance coordinated services with community partnerships to support residents during the transition. They also helped establish the Friendship Court Advisory Committee, which represents nine residents of the Kindlewood community who work with planners to ensure a vibrant and inclusive redevelopment of Kindlewood.
Reference: The SOCIAL Framework: Housing Sector Supplemental Brief
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