Dear friends,With a newsletter entitled, “Building Better Cities,” I am often asked, “better for whom?” We know that changes in our built environments can make things better, or worse, for different groups of people. The history of redlining continues to plague minority communities. Narrow sidewalks encumber those with disabilities. And, deciding where to build grocery stores and transit stops can perpetuate inequalities. While working in almost a dozen cities, I’ve found there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Each community is different. So, I turn to those who know these places best: residents, local business owners, grassroots leaders, historians, city agency reps, law enforcement, and other stakeholders. This community engagement facilitates difficult conversations, enables meaningful collaboration, and identifies better solutions. Deciding how, when, and where this engagement occurs is always a challenge. If you engage too early without setting expectations, community trust can unravel. If you engage too late, the process can seem superficial. And, if a pandemic is preventing you from having one-on-one conversations, it doesn’t mean you stop engagement. If you are struggling with these questions, reach out. My work has helped decision-makers better understand how to pursue meaningful and inclusive engagement. This month, I’m highlighting strategies that have been effective for building and engaging communities for the purposes of building better cities for more people. Hope this gets you thinking,
Kate
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