It Takes a Vision to Raise a Village: A Case Study of the Village at Market Creek Kristy Shields, University of California, San Diego, Urban Studies and Planning Program The Developer’s role in social vitality Special acknowledgement to the following interviewees and their organizations for their assistance and insight throughout the research process:  Charles Davis, Director of Project Development, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation  Bennett Peji, Brand Consultant, Peji Designs  Mike Singleton, Principal, KTU&A  Elaine Kennedy, VOCAL Member, Resident of Diamond Neighborhood  Absallah Farah, Vocal Member, President of Somali Youth United Conclusion Key Sources Analytical approach Case Study: the Village at Market Creek  Direct observation  Participant observation  Interviews  Examination of print materials Methodology Interconnectivity of Community Increases Social Equity and Vitality User Interactions Strengthen Social Connections Users Interact in Public Space Developers Create Public Space for Users Source: 2009 Social and Economic impact report, Jacobs center for Neighborhood Innovation, The JCNI Development model create and support a strong social infrastructure which contributes to the social vitality and sustainability of the area by addressing social equity. Understand the responsibility that comes with neighborhood revitalization and take a proactive role in community involvement to ensure the project has a positive effect on the area. Build a solid foundation to bring improvements to a neighborhood such as clearly stated goals, a reputation for community participation and ownership in the process and the organizational capacities to implement change. This study analyzes how developers can use community participation in the planning and development process to enhance the social infrastructure of a neighborhood. A case study of the Village at Market Creek development project in Southeastern San Diego was conducted, beginning November 2010 and continuing through February The developer of the Village at Market Creek project, The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI), held three planning meetings during the study period in an effort to collect input that will be used to update The Village at Market Creek plan. Based on observational data collected at each of these meetings as well as interviews with key players in the development process, this study will detail methods to: 1) Increase participation and attendance at development meetings. 2) Provide community members with the skills they need to make informed development decisions. 3) Address concerns about the effect of the development project on the future of the community. The symbiotic relationship of these three aspects of the development process serves as a model for planning a viable project for the community it is intended to serve. how does the developer of the village at market creek project utilize community participation in the development process to ensure the project improves the social vitality of the community for which it is intended to serve? Abstract Key Findings Model for a Successful Development Meeting Encourage participation and attendance Provide the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed development decisions Identify and address concerns #1 #2 #3 How? # 1 Provided basic services such as meals and childcare. Facilitated organization of groups to represent specific interests. Formatted meetings with multiple methods for collecting input. Developed social infrastructure through member interaction. #2 Presented main concepts, case studies, and practical examples. Created Innovative table-top exercises to engage participants. Provided opportunities for participants to vote on design elements. Developed social infrastructure by incorporating common values into revitalization vision. #3 Used “stoplight cards” to visually represent individual opinions. Encouraged open debate of contradictory ideas. Developed social infrastructure by building consensus. Photos: JCNI planning meeting- aka Vocal Retreat- January 22, 2011, Source: Kristy Shields. Background image: San Diego’s City of Villages logo, Source: The City of San Diego General Plan, Image above: The Village at Market Creek redevelopment plan, Source: JCNI’s Social and Economic Impact Report, 2009.