smart growth & social equity
DESCRIPTION
Presentation for the New Partners for Smart Growth conferenceTRANSCRIPT
Smart Growth & Social Equity:Lessons In Civic EngagementCity of South Gate, CA
LINKING PLANNING WITH PEOPLE
Land Use & Transportation • Civic Engagement • Public Participation • Public Policywww.tluc.net
February 9, 2007
Monica Villalobos Executive Director
Civic Engagement in South Gate
I Overview of South Gate
II General Plan Update
III Traditional vs. New Models of Engagement
IV Civic Engagement in South Gate
V Lessons Learned
City of South Gate
Total Population: 103,547
Population Density (Per Sq Mile): 13,090
Area of the City: 7.5 sq miles
Proximity to PortsAirportsMajor HighwaysRailwaysAlameda CorridorConfluence of LA River
Major Industries: Manufacturing, Industrial, and Logistics
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
LAX
City of South Gate
Latino Population: 92.1%
Residents under age of 18: 35.6%
Average Household Size: 4.2
Average Adjusted Gross Income: $27,510
Unemployment Rate: 10.0%
Percentage of Individuals with Housing Cost Burden: 62.1%
South Gate General Plan Update
Community Visioning Workshop, 2004
General Plan Update, Phase I, 2006
Extensive Community Outreach and Participatory Planning
Stakeholders and City Officials
4 Community Congress Workshops
Week-long Community Charrette
Why Social Equity is ImportantInclusion and Diversity
disenfranchised & immigrant communities
Confidence and Accountability
historical disengagement
different cultural experiences
Education
Communication
Building on and expanding civic traditions
The New Civic Engagement
Local Politics
Planning and
Development
Demographics,Interest Groups,
Ad-Hoc Organizations
The New Civic Engagement
Old Outreach Targets and Methods
Stakeholders
Business leaders
Environmental Organizations
Grass Roots Approach
Formal and Informal Community networks
Civic clubs
Parent and Educational Groups
Youth and Sports organizations
Average Citizens!!
The Why and How of Civic Engagement?
WHY
Power of citizen groups
Accountability
Civic Empowerment
Participatory Democracy
HOW
Commitment
Consistency
Cultural Competency
Imagination
6 Steps to Meaningful Engagement
6 Steps towards Meaningful Engagement
1. Go beyond Collateral
2. Get to know what really matters to residents
3. Build a local network
4. Trust and Rapport are essential
5. Publicity matters
6. Make it interactive, get community buy-in
Go Beyond Collateral
Seek out participants of:
Religious Institutions
Youth Sports and organization
Educational organizations
City Wide Events
Ad-hoc political groups
Civic Clubs
Senior clubs
Schools
The important thing is to be active in the community and engage people in
one-on-one conversations
What really matters to residents…
Education
Local Businesses
Government Accountability
Neighborhood Issues
Public Safety
You are a resource, know where to refer residents who have particular
concerns
Build a Local Network
Get to know local leaders
Stakeholder Interviews
City Council Interviews
General Plan Advisory Committee
Build a Resident Database
Sign up’s at Community Meetings
Tabling at Community Events
Coffee Klatches
Follow up and Follow thru
Build your own network of local residents, participants, and leaders. Communication
is key.
Trust and Rapport
Acknowledge Resident Concerns
Addressing Immediate Needs
Distrust or Deceit
Hot button issues
Listen and Learn
Serve as a Reference
City Services
City Officials
Get out and get involved
Involve yourself in the life of the community
Publicity Matters
Collateral
Information Sharing
Schools, Churches, Civic Institutions
Media Relations
Community Hot Spots
Corner Stores, Coffee Shops and levandarias (laundry mats)
Show up at local events
Promote Accomplishments
Publicize events in traditional and non-traditional ways
Get the Community Involved
Participatory Planning
Inform them of the process
Make it Engaging
Workshops
Interactive Exercises
Small Group Conversations
Informal Discussions
Cultural and Linguistic Competency
Solicit Input, revise plans and report back
Make the planning process participatory and interactive. Give residents a record of the
process
Outcomes
Cities/Agencies-
A more informed and involved citizenry
Proponents and supporters of Smart Growth
Broader civic participation
Residents-
Sense of empowerment
Greater understanding of city and planning processes
Information to advocate for change
Lessons Learned
Every community is different
Meaningful engagement takes commitment
Don’t underestimate the importance of inclusion
Stick to what works, while being creative and flexible
Show them the fruits of their labor
Create a legacy that goes beyond the life of the project
Smart Growth & Social Equity:Lessons In Civic EngagementCity of South Gate, CA
LINKING PLANNING WITH PEOPLE
Land Use & Transportation • Civic Engagement • Public Participation • Public Policywww.tluc.net
February 9, 2007
Monica Villalobos Executive Director