About the Project
| The project brings together the neighborhood groups and Wayne State University's Center for Urban Studies' Urban Safety Program in a new information-driven,
technology-enabled process that empowers residents to identify and prioritize persistent neighborhood problems,
develop innovative solutions, and monitor progress toward remediation of problems. This new model features
youth involvement (community mapping), technology capacity building, data-driven problem analysis and tracking,
and increased accountability through systematic follow-up and evaluation.
The goal of our project is to achieve systemic change in how government and community work together, smarter,
and faster to address persistent neighborhood problems that affect Detroiter's quality of life. Using PocketPCs, students map locations and characteristics of dangerous properties, take photographs, and research property ownership. They also set priorities and identify the most problematic locations in neighborhoods. Properties with the most egregious violations, known as “The Dirty Dozen”, offer a compelling picture of hazards residents face daily. This information is presented to community leaders and city officials who attempt to correct dangerous situations.  The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has committed $24.3 million over five years for community development initiatives in Detroit, and to increase access to and diversity in arts organizations in southeast Michigan. The foundation is working to support community development corporations and community-based organizations in six Detroit neighborhoods, chosen in large part to leverage initiatives already active in the areas. In addition, the foundation awarded grants to increase access and diversity among arts and cultural organizations serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. |
For more information, please contact David Martin at 313-577-6564 or david.e.martin@wayne.edu