Neighborhoods First
San Diego LISC's Neighborhoods First Initiative in Colina Park and Logan Heights/Memorial. This documentary was produced by teens from both neighborhoods through a partnership with the
Media Arts Center of San Diego
About Neighborhoods First
Neighborhoods First is San Diego LISC’s comprehensive community development initiative piloted in two San Diego neighborhoods in 2008. The Neighborhoods First Initiative is built on the premise that healthy communities are the result of a comprehensive and coordinated program for neighborhood revitalization - not only housing, but also safe streets, ample recreation areas, reliable public transportation, diverse youth programs, quality schools, accessible health care, and employment opportunities. It is also built on the fundamental understanding that an engaged and empowered community generates the wherewithal, resilience, and will to implement such a program.
Neighborhoods First uses an innovative planning process – quality of life planning - as a central tool for improving San Diego neighborhoods.
It is guided by three principles:
- Comprehensiveness: With Neighborhoods First Quality of Life Planning, the social, economic and civic fabric of a neighborhood is planned and developed hand-in-hand with physical development. By addressing neighborhood challenges and opportunities in a strategic, coordinated, and comprehensive fashion, Neighborhoods First looks to catalyze sustainable neighborhood improvement.
- Stakeholder Driven: Neighborhoods First adheres to an abiding conviction that neighborhood residents are experts on the challenges facing their communities. Moreover, these same residents, when provided an opportunity and the appropriate resources, are best-positioned to chart the course for a better future.
- Action Oriented: Neighborhoods First maintains a keen eye toward implementation - identifying tangible projects that are guided by a collaborative vision, achievable in the near term, and accountable to a responsible party committed to seeing it through. Accountability is coupled with access to resources like early action grants, technical assistance and loan financing to inspire action.