2007 MetLife Awards: Weed and Seed Partnership's Neighborhood Revitalization Project
Date Published: 12/01/2007
Author: Andrea Nurko
CASE STUDY
Original Aurora Renewal Weed and Seed Partnership,
2007 MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Drug Market Disruption Award
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Drug markets have many damaging effects on urban neighborhoods, ranging from gun violence and risks for youth playing outside to thwarted economic development and reduced property values. While many anti-drug campaigns focus on drug use prevention and treatment, other programs are working to pair law enforcement with residents, non-profits and businesses to spawn economic development in areas afflicted by drug markets while making these very neighborhoods less attractive for dealers and abusers to inhabit. This is the framework for the Colfax Corridor Weed & Seed initiative in Aurora, Colorado, profiled in this case study as a recipient of a 2007 MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Award for its exemplary Drug Market Disruption strategy. Led by the Original Aurora Renewal Division, the Aurora Police Department and more than 20 other public and private agencies, the Colfax Corridor Weed & Seed leveraged support from the U.S. Department of Justice to destabilize a once flourishing local drug market. The target neighborhood that is now characterized by a growing arts community, engaged residents and far safer streets.
Topic: --Community Safety
Type: Case study / model practice