INNOVAT3’s Post

What an invigorating morning it was at the #Edcon conference! Our team had the honor of joining forces with the insightful Brett Waller and the dedicated members of the Seattle Police Department for a panel discussion on a cause dear to us all: Community Safety. In our conversation, we delved into ways to enhance the safety of our residential communities. We discussed a range of strategies, brought our collective knowledge to the table, and concentrated on the newest methods, technologies, and resources. Our aim was to bolster neighborhood safety, working hand in hand with community partners and leveraging available resources. However, this is merely the beginning of a much larger conversation. We believe in the power of community and collective wisdom. So, we're curious: What are your best tips for fostering safety in multifamily communities? Share your strategies and experiences below. Let’s continue the dialogue and together, create safer, more secure neighborhoods. #CommunitySafety #SafetyFirst #multifamily Washington Multi-Family Housing Association

The places we live, learn, work, and play should offer everyone the chance to be as healthy as possible. To realize this vision, local leaders need to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all residents when they are thinking about where to build roads, highways, sidewalks, and public transit. Communities across the country have felt the harmful impacts of what happens when residents have not been listened to or pushed aside in the decision-making process. “The highway system is one of the first things that you learn about when you start studying urban planning. But you also learn about the harm that highways created,” says Daniel D’Oca, associate professor in Practice of Urban Planning at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and principal and co-founder of Interboro Partners. There is a growing movement to take steps to right these past harms caused by transportation policy. We partnered with StoryCorps to share these stories. Listen to teachers, students, neighbors, friends, and community leaders talk about their love for their communities and ways to reconnect communities.

Please consider nominating the intersection of Dewey Ave & Driving Park A in the Edgerton neighborhood. “In our play we reveal what kind of people we are.” ~ Ovid Safe Gathering Space: A well-maintained playground offers a safe space for children and families to gather, reducing the likelihood of them being exposed to unsafe areas. Community Engagement: Playgrounds encourage community members to come together, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of belonging. Positive Youth Development: Access to a playground promotes physical activity, creativity, and social interaction among children, contributing to their overall development. Crime Reduction: Increased community presence in public spaces can deter criminal activities. Active, well-used areas are less attractive to those engaging in illegal behavior. Improved Mental Health: Playgrounds provide a natural setting for relaxation and stress relief for both children and adults, enhancing mental well-being. Economic Benefits: Revitalizing public spaces can attract investment, boost property values, and support local businesses by drawing more foot traffic to the area. Educational Opportunities: Features like a performance stage and mural and poetry walks can offer educational and cultural enrichment, inspiring creativity and learning. Community Pride: A beautiful, functional playground can instill a sense of pride in the neighborhood, encouraging residents to take ownership and responsibility for their community. Enhanced Quality of Life: Overall, a playground improves the quality of life for residents by providing a space for recreation, socialization, and cultural activities.

Join us for the Community Care Gathering on Tuesday, November 12th at 6:00 PM at the Fourth Plain Community Commons—a space created to hold, honor, and strengthen our community. As you allow yourself to feel today, remember that rest, collective care, and mutual aid are all forms of resistance. We recognize the wide range of emotions many of us may be feeling right now and the deep questions that this moment brings about the future of our communities, our values, and the work we are called to do. In the face of these challenges, let’s come together to reflect, support, and rise with one another. Together, we will process, strategize, and reaffirm our commitment to justice, equity, and progress. 🗓️ Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12th 🕕 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 PM 📍 Location: Fourth Plain Community Commons, 3101 E 4th Plain Blvd Ste.101, Vancouver, WA 98661 Let’s continue to lift each other up and move forward—stronger together. #CommunityCare #TogetherWeHeal #BIPOCUnity #ResilienceAndStrength #JusticeAndEquity

Today, while being led by a few colleagues, I had the privilege of sitting with six individuals who are currently unhoused to hear their stories and understand the journeys that led to their current situations. These conversations will help support some of Allegheny County housing initiatives, aiming to make a meaningful impact on providing housing for those in need in our community. Listening to these experiences reinforced the need to approach each person with empathy and break down the stereotypes that often cloud our understanding. Being unhoused isn’t just a lack of shelter—it’s often the result of relentless challenges people face, mixed with systemic barriers that don’t account for everyone’s unique circumstances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to these struggles, yet resilience shines through each story. Let’s commit to a deeper understanding of the hardships people experience. Together, we can build communities that uplift rather than overlook. To learn more about Allegheny County’s 500 in 500 program, visit https://lnkd.in/eYdUqBAq

Let’s start a conversation! Last week, Allison Farole, MPA, CEM, MiPEM and I discussed the concept of building community preparedness. In this, we shared an observation that our current culture has shifted away from prioritizing and fostering a sense of “community.” Modern-day society coupled with technology advancements have shifted our mind-set. We are less connected to our neighbors, colleagues, schools, towns, city-centers, etc., than at any other time in history. And our long-standing viewpoint/sense of what “community” is, no longer exists. So, the QOTD is this: How do you build community preparedness, without community being a part of your culture?

When you center the needs of those you serve in everything you do.

🌟 Empowering Tenants and Transforming Communities in Seattle 🌟 In the heart of downtown Seattle, a story of resilience and change is unfolding. For over a decade, tenants at properties managed by Metropolitan Management Co. have faced numerous challenges due to neglect and mismanagement. Persistent issues like leaks, pests, and poor maintenance have plagued affordable housing units, exacerbating the housing crisis. But change is on the horizon. Through collective action, advocacy, and a commitment to justice, tenants are fighting back, demanding better living conditions, and holding landlords accountable. This fight is about more than just bricks and mortar; it's about ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. 🏡 A Brighter Future: Reformed Housing Management: Imagine a future where every apartment building is well-maintained, surrounded by green spaces, and managed by professionals who prioritize tenant welfare. Empowered Communities: Tenants actively participating in community events, attending meetings with local officials, and accessing vital resources and support systems. Safe and Healthy Living Environments: Families enjoying clean and safe living spaces, children playing in secure playgrounds, and a community thriving together. This vision is within our reach, but it requires our collective effort. Let's continue to advocate for tenant rights, push for stricter enforcement of housing laws, and support initiatives that prioritize people over profits. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to call home. 🏠💪 #AffordableHousing #TenantRights #CommunityEmpowerment #SeattleHousing #Advocacy #ChangeMakers

What does Community Impact mean to you? For me, Community Impact means a continuous effort to positively impact the businesses, schools, neighborhoods and most importantly the PEOPLE where we live and build. Take a moment to review the Turner Construction Company's (Philadelphia Business Unit) 2023 Community Impact Report, which will provide insight and examples of our efforts to affect change in a positive way. #tunerconstruction #communityimpact #diversityandinclusion #activecaring #economicdevelopment

Today, I had the honor of speaking at Cullman Housing Authority's 75th Anniversary Celebration addressing the mayor, Councilmembers, Board of Commissioners, HUD officials and congressional staffers. The theme of the event was Keeping the Promise: People, Places, and Progress!” Affordable housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head it’s a cornerstone of stability, opportunity, and thriving communities. However, achieving this requires more than individual effort; it demands collaboration across sectors, organizations, and communities. From local government and federal agencies to nonprofit organizations and private developers, we all have a role to play in creating solutions that address housing challenges. When we work together, we bring diverse perspectives, resources, and innovation to the table, creating outcomes that are greater than the sum of their parts. Let’s continue to build bridges, share ideas, and uplift communities through the power of collaboration. Together, we can keep the promise of affordable housing for all. People, Places, Progress! #AffordableHousing #Collaboration #CommunityDevelopment #HousingMatters