Using the healthy neighborhoods framework created by national neighborhood strategist David Boehlke, grants are available to neighborhood associations to improve and expand revitalization efforts.

The elements of the healthy neighborhood framework are:

1. Image and Identity

These are the attributes of a neighborhood that define who or what it is and/or what is unique to a neighborhood. Envision image as what insiders feel makes up a neighborhood, as well as what outsiders see looking in. Identity are the facets that define a neighborhood geographically, culturally and visually (think recognition).

Sample Projects: beautification projects, cleanups, community gardens, identity markers (banners, signs, etc.), branding, signage and marketing.

2. Physical Conditions

Physical conditions include the condition of the housing, structures and infrastructure of a neighborhood. The condition of a parcel affects adjacent parcels in parallel, both good and bad. Code enforcement, housing assessments and infrastructure queries are just some of the tools available to measure the physical conditions of a neighborhood.

Sample Projects: housing assessments, neighborhood cleanups, sidewalk replacement projects and housing rehab projects/incentives.

3. Involvement and Investment

This is the investment of Time, Effort and Money (TEAM) that residents are willing and able to contribute to the strength of the neighborhood. Financial investment comes in the form of residential improvement, beautification projects and infrastructure upgrades. Time and effort include the involvement of residents in neighborhood meetings, skills and wills exercises and project/volunteer participation.

Sample Projects: general neighborhood beautification via volunteers, meeting participation, residential improvement projects, community events and gardening projects.

4. Market

The culmination of Image and Identity, Involvement and Investment and Physical Conditions leads to the overall market values and desirability of living in the neighborhood. Generally measured by housing values and sales figures, comparisons to baseline values can be made as a measure of the market strength of a neighborhood. Total dollars are not always the best measurement; often change in values tell a more complete story.

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