New Program Aims for Revitalization Without Displacement

Alex Hutchinson shares news of a nascent program by Smart Growth America to explore one of the most challenging topics of contemporary times: how to "capture benefits from the revitalization process for families of all income levels." Finding solutions for that challenge is the goal of the new Planning for Successful and Equitable Revitalization program, which is included in the Smart Growth America technical assistance offerings.

Hutchinson'a post serves to announce the first three communities selected to participate in the program: Birmingham, Alabama; Jersey City, New Jersey; and Raleigh, North Carolina.

• In Birmingham, Smart Growth America will work with REV Birmingham "to help independent retailers and small businesses in the Woodlawn neighborhood remain in their existing locations and expand their offerings as the area grows."
• The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency with work with Smart Growth America to "identify the obstacles low- and moderate-income applicants face when trying to find housing, and will develop a methodology for a supply/demand analysis for naturally occurring low-moderate income housing."
• In Raleigh, the program will with the Department of City Planning "to create equitable development around planned bus rapid transit stations."

The post also includes soundbites from Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Raleigh Planning Director Ken Bowers.