EngagingCities

🌿This fantastic makeover is an inspiring story of how a community came together to transform a run-down back alley into a green oasis that brings them all together. The transformation is thanks to a grandma, who grew so tired of seeing litter and vermin in the alley behind her home that she rallied her neighbours to help her do something about it. Mavis Arnold, 75, has lived in her Victorian terraced house in Middlesborough for more than 50 years. She remembers the shared alley behind her home being well-kept in the 1960s but over time, residents began to dump their rubbish in the alley, regardless of whether it was collection day or not. The alley became a "grubby" and "dirty" place that was unsafe for children and a magnet for antisocial behaviour and crime. After the neighbourhood trust erected gates at both ends of the alley as part of a pilot scheme to reduce burglary, Mrs. Arnold came up with an idea. She believed that the alley didn’t have to be a place where people dumped their rubbish and started thinking about how lovely it could be. She approached the trust and received a grant for £6,800, which she used to begin the transformation of the alley into an urban green oasis. She created a haven of flowers, plants, and trees and enlisted other residents to help with the dramatic makeover. Tomatoes, apples, pears, and potatoes are just some of the fruits and vegetables grown in the alley. Residents have also put outdoor furniture in the alley so they can sit and chat with their neighbours while children play, like they did in the 1960s. They have come to really care about the alley, and it's unthinkable for anybody to dump their rubbish here now. This is an inspiring example of how a community has come together to transform an anti-social space into a beautiful place that brings them all together. And how people collectively looking after and caring about their environment can make such a huge and positive difference to their quality of life. * Please note that for comparisons sake, the before picture is of a neighbouring alley which is very similar to how the alley looked before its transformation. Link to press story with more details in the comments.👇

Another retailer just announced it is shutting its doors and closing 800 stores across the United States. Amidst this ongoing death spiral of vacant strip malls, we have a generational opportunity to redevelop land into quality communities that address the ongoing housing crisis. Upon the ashes of brick and mortar shopping we can revive the dream of brick and mortar living! We just need cities to step up to the plate, revise zoning regulations, and open the door to a new American town center focused on home ownership and experiential living! #retail #vacancy #stripmall #commercial #zoning #redevelopment #housing #housingcrisis #housingforall

Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for equitable urban planning, yet marginalized communities often face barriers to participation. Building Stronger Communities: Lessons from Engaging Marginalized Neighborhoods in Planning explores a successful approach used in Albany, New York, to foster meaningful involvement in inner-city neighborhood planning. Through targeted outreach, collaborative workshops, and strategic partnerships with the Albany Housing Authority, planners ensured that community voices shaped the final plan. This article highlights key lessons on removing barriers, building trust, and creating inclusive spaces that empower residents to influence their neighborhoods' future.

No part of a city should be defined by poverty, high crime, or social struggle. Every neighborhood deserves safety, opportunity, and investment. Yet, too often, we see areas left behind—lacking resources, infrastructure, and economic growth. This isn’t just a city planning issue; it’s a community issue. We can change this. Here’s how we create thriving, safe, and sustainable communities: ✅ Public & Private Investment – Attract businesses, developers, and government funding to improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. ✅ Smart Urban Planning & CPTED – Design safer, more vibrant spaces that deter crime and promote community engagement. ✅ Affordable & Mixed-Income Housing – Develop housing that supports diverse economic backgrounds, creating stable and thriving neighborhoods. ✅ Job Creation & Workforce Development – Support local businesses and job training programs that empower residents with career opportunities. ✅ Strong Schools & Youth Programs – Invest in education and after-school initiatives to break cycles of poverty and crime. ✅ Community-Led Initiatives – Empower residents to take ownership of change through neighborhood associations and grassroots organizations. ✅ Better Transportation & Infrastructure – Improve public transit, sidewalks, and lighting to make communities more connected and accessible. When we invest in people and places, no neighborhood has to struggle. We build cities that work for everyone—not just some. It’s time to stop accepting inequality and start building solutions. #CPTED #UrbanRevitalization #StrongerCommunities #InvestInPeople