Engaging the Community and Building Trust
The Community Engagement Committee played a significant role in the project. This committee was crucial in getting feedback and initial ideas about what the public wanted to see at this site. Both by creating survey material and using this material to interview participants, they allowed the rest of the class to have a solid base for developing plans and creating policy frameworks.
Other responsibilities included:
The members of this committee identified who would most be impacted from the redevelopment of this site. This included stakeholders within the local community, the county, and within the greater Independence region. Within this stakeholder analysis, possible partnerships were identified – making the process more efficient and community-oriented. They were also in charge of scheduling in-person interviews for students to discuss the property with different stakeholders in the community.
Not only did this group create and facilitate the survey but also tabulated the results. Presented in a legible manner, the results were easily comprehendible to both professionals in the field and the community. Seeing what the most sought-after amenities were to the community allowed the rest of the group to plan for success.
One of the final tasks for this group was to create community engagement strategies and recommendations for the future of the property. After this project, it is still important for the numerous stakeholders to be involved in the redevelopment process. The strategies and takeaways created by the Community Engagement team will help achieve this.
Meet the Community Engagement Committee
Allison Bunce is an Master of Urban Planning and Development student, currently working as a Transportation Planner at NOACA. Allison is passionate about community development and sustainable cities. In her free time, you can find her out expanding her photography portfolio, cycling or spending time with her sassy orange cat, Hazel.
Eternity Burrell is a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student currently working as a case manager in a mental health organization. Her professional interests focus on policy development and creating initiatives that improve outcomes for at-risk communities. During this semester, she focused on researching the industrial history of the Haydite Quarry, including the labor conditions and the material’s role in construction. After graduation, she plans to transition into policy work that drives systemic change. A fun fact about her is that I love to travel.
Ciara Davis will graduate with her Master of Nonprofit Management in May. She is very passionate about youth development and is excited to begin her new role as Social Programs Coordinator at Friendship Circle of Cleveland. Ciara lives in Historic Downtown Willoughby with her fiancé and their two rambunctious doodles, April & Auggie.
Kara Thomas is a graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program. Her professional experience centers on supporting individuals facing housing insecurity through resource coordination and advocacy. She is dedicated to promoting policies and programs that improve housing stability and community well-being.
