Introduction
Populace Community Strategy partnered with SNAP (South Nashville Action People) to address the community's concerns regarding equitable and inclusive growth in Nashville's historic Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. The community had experienced rapid development without sufficient input or connection from real estate developers, leading to frustrations among residents. Populace worked with SNAP to empower the community, increase its voice, and advocate for more affordable housing and community development projects.
Client Background
SNAP is a community organization dedicated to promoting equitable and inclusive growth in Wedgewood Houston. They advocate for the rights and needs of residents in the face of rapid development and gentrification.
Project Scope
The project aimed to establish protocols that prioritize community input in real estate development projects in Wedgewood Houston. Populace worked with SNAP to create a framework for engaging with developers and ensuring that community voices are heard and valued.
Approach
- Populace facilitated frequent meetings with the local councilperson to establish protocols that prioritize community engagement in development projects.
- A rubric was developed for both SNAP and the community to use when meeting with developers. This rubric included criteria such as green space, sustainable development practices, and the inclusion of affordable housing.
- Through collaboration with SNAP, Populace ensured that the community's priorities were clearly communicated and considered in all development discussions.
Implementation
- Populace and SNAP actively engaged with developers, advocating for the inclusion of community priorities in their projects.
- The established protocols ensured that SNAP was the first point of contact for developers interested in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood.
- Regular community meetings and workshops were held to educate residents about the development process and gather their input.
Outcomes
- A community benefits agreement was successfully negotiated between the Wedgewood Houston community and a national developer, ensuring that community priorities were incorporated into the development project.
- A minimum standard of 20% affordable housing was mandated for all new real estate development projects in the neighborhood, providing much-needed housing options for residents.
- The establishment of a lasting system ensured that neighbors are seen, heard, and included in the changes taking place in their neighborhood.
Impact
- The collaboration between Populace, SNAP, and the Wedgewood Houston community resulted in tangible outcomes that prioritize equitable and inclusive growth.
- By empowering the community and establishing clear protocols, Populace helped ensure that future development projects in Wedgewood Houston consider the needs and desires of residents.
Conclusion
Populace's partnership with SNAP has demonstrated the power of community engagement in shaping the development of neighborhoods. Through collaboration and advocacy, the Wedgewood Houston community has gained greater control over its future, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Contact Information
For further inquiries or collaborations, please contact Populace Community Strategy at hello@populacecommunity.com