Gabriela “Gabby” Chavez-Lopez’s Post

How can foundations take a neighborhood approach in their funding? I often get asked this question and so have drawn up a few key ideas for anyone considering what to do. 1.Build citywide maps tracking neighborhood health 2.Develop a spatial strategy prioritizing the neighborhoods best primed to improve 3.Invest in neighborhood quarterbacks/anchors in priority locales 4.Establish small grant initiatives that boost families, collective efficacy and momentum across all neighborhoods 5.Adjust funding/evaluation criteria to incorporate a neighborhood lens; shift resources from servicing siloes to enhancing places 6.Convene a citywide brain trust of top leaders to advance a neighborhoods approach to governance across institutions Each of these require the right approach. Neighborhood health, for example, has many factors, but tracking population, relative real estate prices, vacancy rates, and transient rates over time will tell you a lot quickly. Over time, you can develop a more comprehensive scorecard. I could write a book on these issues (and actually did - Fragile Neighborhoods). Please reach out if you want to discuss any of them in more detail offline. #health #loneliness #neighborhoods #community #cities #foundations #philanthropy #placemaking Placemaking Education Danya Pastuszek Sarah Strimmenos Amanda Jamison Dawn Martz Dan Baisden Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams Tate Wilson B. Sutton Mora Aaron Kuecker Tim Soerens Shawn Duncan Jennifer Prophete Sam Pressler Ron Ivey Frances Kraft De'Amon Harges PlacemakingX Michael Matheson Miller Caleb Whitmer Jason Zylstra Rachel Weaver Ryan Kilpatrick, AICP EDFP Pamela Parriott Rip Rapson Othello Meadows Cecilia Gutierrez John B. Anna Scott Daron Babcock Thomasina (Tomi) Hiers Wendy Stewart Lisa Greenwood John Olson Elizabeth Le'anani Coffee

Don't miss this #AffordableHousingMonth panel! Listen to experts in housing preferences including speakers from the City of Berkeley, Healthy Black Families Inc., and Resources for Community Development (RCD) - with moderation from BAHFA/Doorway. About the event: 👇 The City of Berkeley recently implemented a suite of housing preferences that prioritize particular households when they apply for affordable housing opportunities in the city. Rather than a preference policy focused on those who live or work in Berkeley - which does not result in equitable outcomes - the City prioritizes households with children and those who were impacted by BART construction, foreclosures, or eviction, historic redlining, or homelessness. With the complexity of implementing layers of housing preferences, the City turned to the Doorway Housing Portal, built on Bloom Housing, to develop a seamless digital application process including geo-based features that allow applicants and property managers to determine eligibility. The technology, in the hands of organizations like Healthy Black Families, will allow for better outreach to families eligible for housing preferences to apply for and gain housing in Berkeley. #BloomHousing #BusinessAsForceForGood #Equity #TechForGood #GovTech #AffordableHousing #HousingInnovation #GovInnovation

🙌 #EdenHousing’s Liberation Park Residences has been awarded $28 million from the City of Oakland HCD! Developed in partnership with Black Cultural Zone, this transformative project will bring 118 affordable homes to Oakland, including 30 units dedicated to individuals experiencing homelessness or with special needs. Liberation Park Residences is part of the larger Liberation Park development which also features a Market Hall and Cultural Hub. This is a very exciting milestone, and we’re grateful to see the project move closer to breaking ground! 👏 More from Oakland HCD: https://lnkd.in/gnC586_A

🌟 The Realest on the Block: Building Communities, Restoring Hope 🌟 At BiGAUSTIN, we’re more than just business support—we’re about empowering the underrepresented to shape their futures and uplift their neighborhoods. Through community development and restoration projects, we’re helping entrepreneurs and changemakers transform their dreams into realities. ✨ What We’re About: 🏘️ Restoring underserved communities with innovative projects 💡 Empowering diverse entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses 🤝 Creating opportunities where they’re needed most When we lift each other up, we all rise. Together, we’re revitalizing neighborhoods, breaking down barriers, and building a brighter future for Austin—block by block. 💼 Want to get involved? Learn how we’re making an impact and how YOU can join us: BiGAUSTIN.org #TheRealestOnTheBlock #CommunityDevelopment #RestorationProjects #Empowerment #BiGAUSTIN

Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the Downtown Activation Team, a new initiative aimed at revitalizing Downtown. The team has already demonstrated promising results with notable reductions in crime and emergency calls. "As we continue our work to bring more people back Downtown through the Downtown Activation Plan, the importance of feeling safe and being safe tops the list for everyone we talk to," said Director Markham McIntyre. By bringing together emergency services, community investments, and support programs, we're building a stronger and more welcoming Seattle. 🏙️✨ Learn more about the executive order: https://lnkd.in/gTNEn6Av #DowntownActivationTeam #DowntownIsYou #OneSeattle 

Vote Dan Ryan for Portland City Council, District 2! As a community, we need leaders who understand the challenges we face and have the courage to take real action. That’s why I’m supporting Dan Ryan for District 2 on Portland’s City Council. Here’s why Dan is the right choice: ✅ Proven Leadership: Dan has already shown that he can navigate tough issues with transparency and integrity. From addressing housing crises to advancing critical infrastructure projects, he’s been a consistent advocate for Portlanders. ✅ A Vision for Equity: Dan is passionate about creating a more inclusive city. His policies prioritize affordable housing, economic opportunities, and social equity, ensuring everyone in District 2 has a voice at the table. ✅ Focus on Public Safety & Homelessness: Dan understands the importance of balancing compassion with action. He has worked tirelessly to expand mental health services and improve public safety while developing innovative solutions for homelessness. ✅ Listening to the Community: What sets Dan apart is his genuine commitment to listening. He regularly engages with residents to make sure their concerns shape his policies. This isn’t just about representation; it’s about collaboration. 🗳️ If you believe in building a stronger, more resilient, and united Portland, join me in voting for Dan Ryan for District 2. Let’s work together for a better Portland! #Portland #VoteDanRyan #LeadershipThatMatters #CommunityFirst #PortlandCityCouncil #District2 Feel free to adjust any points based on your specific messaging!

Community is where life's best moments happen—it's where we grow, learn, and thrive together. NJCC invests in more than buildings; we invest in community spirit and connection. We focus not just on wealth, but on the full distribution of opportunities for underserved communities and impact investors. Our development initiatives are about creating spaces where neighbors become friends. We ensure that economic growth benefits everyone, knitting tighter community fabrics. Through our work, we're not just revitalizing neighborhoods; we're reviving the sense of belonging. Learn about our community-centric approach. See how we're strengthening communities from the inside out at https://lnkd.in/ee3V5Y-F #communitydevelopment #makeadifference #socialresponsibility #socialimpact #impactinvesting

Yes indeed, today is National Housing Day! Let's celebrate with my daughter, Kenzie, and this years big purchase of her own home - she is extraordinary because it is rare for a 24 year to manage this solo. she's a #rockstar A new roof and she is good to go! #sweatequity #trades So let's talk housing data in Whitehorse and use design leadership tools to understand where our norms and practices might be in the way of housing (read: community planning and design). Here's an example: Whitehorse's largest priority population is single led mother households (next is black led households) and yet many sub-market units have been build in Whistlebend, a car dependent community. Having done the bus route, a single mum will need a car to support daily commute and necessities for life at home, in Whistlebend. Today's burning question: is Whistlebend a community that will support healthy living for our largest priority population, single mom led households? #HART #CMHC City of Whitehorse

Why Community Participation is Critical in Redevelopment - "And what you could miss out on if you don't!" In any community, the decisions about redevelopment—whether it’s infrastructure improvements, housing, or business support—directly impact the people who live and work there. Yet, without active participation, these plans may not fully reflect the community's needs or culture. Here’s why it’s important to engage: Missed Opportunities: By not participating, communities might miss out on valuable programs that could improve housing, businesses, and public safety.  Loss of Identity: Without local input, redevelopment plans risk diluting the unique character and history of the neighborhood.  Lack of Buy-In: Projects without community support often face challenges during implementation, leading to friction and slower progress. The CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) relies on local input to make impactful changes, but if the community remains disengaged, it’s harder to address longstanding issues. Whether it’s attending local meetings, volunteering, or simply staying informed, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can build a future that benefits everyone. Get involved and help shape a brighter, safer, and more prosperous community. Isn’t that what you want? #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CivicEngagement #Redevelopment #Leadership #Dunbar #CommuniTEA

A Conversation With Leading Community Allies featuring Carol Kim, Lori Pfeiler, and Tad Parzen. The trio discussed housing and #homelessness in San Diego. Kim is the Business Manager with the San Diego County Building Trades Council. Pfeiler is CEO of the San Diego County Building Industry Association. Parzen is President and CEO of the Burnham Center for Community Advancement. “If you want a healthy community, you have to have a healthy housing market,” Pfeiler told the audience at the @HiltonBayfront on Tuesday. “We need to find those intersections of caring and build bridges from them,” Kim said. #RTFHMOXIE