Neighborhood Planning
Neighborhood Capacity Project Reports
The following reports were compiled by a team of consultants to help identify ways to implement the updated Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan.   The reports take into consideration the Rainier Beach organizations, how they can work together implementing the updated plan, what skills and resources are needed, and what funding could be sought to support the work.
 
What Was Learned
 
In the first phase of the consultant team’s work, several important things were learned:
  • Many people and organizations share a genuine concern for and commitment to Rainier Beach.
  • Many have been involved in the neighborhood plan update. But, this did not include everyone, so continuing to expand participation in implementation is key.
  • There are numerous organizations currently active in Rainier Beach, but many are not familiar with, nor are they well-connected with each other.
  • Rainier Beach is home to diverse communities, but some--particularly refugee and immigrant communities--feel especially disconnected.
  • There is a need for more and better communication, coordination and collaboration among organizations, communities and efforts because a stronger collective community voice means greater power to achieve neighborhood goals.
  • How collaboration happens and what form it takes can build off the strengths that exist in the Rainier Beach community, and evolve over time.

You can download the lesson's learned material:

How to Move Forward
 
Based on what was learned, the consultants crafted a set of suggestions and tools to support the work ahead. Among the key suggestions:
  • Do things gradually, or phased over time, both in building the neighborhood coordination structure and getting the plan implemented.
  • Invest time right from the start to make sure all communities (including historically-underrepresented communities) have access, are involved, and share equal power in all aspects of community efforts (i.e. process, structure, communications, decision making, etc.).
  • Make sure there is a strong community base and infrastructure before pursuing funding. Do this incrementally as well.
  • Over time, build more structures and/or formalize structures to strengthen collaboration as appropriate.
Learn more about the suggestions for moving forward:
Tools to Support Resource Building
 
In addition to the suggestions for neighborhood collaboration, the consultant team also put together several items to help build fundraising efforts related to the work. These include the following:
  • A preliminary fund development plan—information about how to build a diverse fundraising plan.
  • Grant prospects and calendar—information about prospective grant makers, including basic information about guidelines and deadlines.
  • Preliminary case statement—a statement to help Rainier Beach make the case for funding support.
You are needed! None of this can happen without the community’s involvement. Many Rainier Beach folks got involved during the update process – coming to meetings, and sharing their hopes and concerns. To make the plan truly serve community members and improve the neighborhood, it’s even more important that the community – and that means everyone! - stays involved, and takes ownership.  
 
To find out how you can participate in the implementation of the Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan, contact Kerry Wade at (206) 733-9091 or email kerry.wade@seattle.gov. 

 

Last Updated: May 29, 2012