Searching for Grass-roots Planners

The city of San Jose is about to launch the largest residential renewal effort in the city's history. The effort will be guided by neighborhood advisory groups in 18 neighborhoods. With $20 million a year for five years committed to the initiative, improvements could range from curb repairs to new community centers. "The initiative could effect nearly 300,000 residents and cover 9,400 acres. The initiative is an unprecedented collaboration between a host of city departments and the redevelopment agency focused onmaking neighborhoods cleaner and safer, and expanding cityservices."