A Space for Sharing Stories of Transformation
On two hot days in mid-July 2013, two dozen youth went out into the streets of the Dudley neighborhood in Roxbury to survey “backyard” gardens and interview gardeners. The youth, from Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) and The Food Project, were working with the support of the Practical Visionaries Workshop (PVW) to document how muchContinue reading Dudley Resident Gardens: Summer 2013 Survey Results
By Ian Adelman, Emily Earle, and Penn Loh [Note: This article is based on Adelman and Earle’s 2012 Masters Thesis for the Tufts Urban & Environmental Policy and Planning. To download: Earle Thesis – FINAL Adelman Thesis Final] Why transformative? At the global level, it is easy to see the excesses, if not the fatalContinue reading Towards a More Transformative Community Economic Development
In our first Practical Visionaries Workshop in 2011, one project team explored community control over development as a key means of realizing a justainable city. Below, we summarize 3 key strategies for community control: 1) government policy, 2) direct negotiation with landowners and developers, and 3) endogenous development and ownership. In addition to this framework,Continue reading Community Control Over Development: A Conceptual Framework
The Boston Globe reported on its front page story November 25, 2012 on a new report by Northeastern University showing that black commuters spend more time than white commuters traveling to work. On the bus system, this gap totals 66 hours more per year for black commuters in waiting, riding, and transferring. The report byContinue reading New Study on Racial Gap in Boston Commutes
How can neighborhoods transform themselves into “green zones”? What can we do in Roxbury to support the ecological integrity of the region, while at the same time meet needs of local residents and enhance quality of life? In other words, how can we put justainability into action in our communities? These were among the questionsContinue reading Green Stormwater Management in Roxbury
Check out a new case study from Center for Social Inclusion on energy democracy efforts in Boston. This report features the efforts of 3 Boston groups to launch a community-owned energy efficiency company. I was involved in planning for this initiative while with ACE, working with folks from Boston Workers Alliance and Chinese Progressive Association.Continue reading Energy Democracy in Boston
In summer 2011, Walmart announced it was trying to site its urban grocery stores in both Roxbury and Somerville. These plans ignited controversy over whether Walmart would be positive or negative for community development and how it might impact local businesses, workers, and the environment. The community partners in Tufts Practical Visionaries Workshop took thisContinue reading Spring 2012 Practical Visionaries Field Project