The concept of shared prosperity has never been more important, as cities continue to see a growing disparity between the rich and the poor. But these challenges are not unsolvable. Through community engagement, the government can implement programs like sustained public transportation, which aim to improve the lives of many and not just the lives of a few. Community development can also occur outside of the typical government programs and policies. Communities can utilize work cooperatives, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), social enterprises, municipal ownership, emerging hybrid companies, and employee stock ownership plan companies (ESOPs) to improve local neighborhoods. These new models for development can help to create jobs, help small businesses and residents gain access to financing, and lower the cost of utilities.
Many of the ideas that were discussed in this Module’s reading were very applicable to my experiences in Gateway. Basu’s discussion about the danger of income inequality can be felt in and around Gateway and also the neighboring Fort Lincoln. The differences in socioeconomic factors can divide neighborhoods and increase tension among citizens. As inequality rises, crime increases forcing some citizens to leave the area, removing key resources. Moreno further links this idea of inequality to skills or opportunity gaps that develop and I fear that opportunities are being missed in Gateway. Without the community resources or relevant action, residents must leave the community to participate in meaningful experiences that ready and prepare them for opportunities. I believe that this search for experience would be much more participated in, if the experiences were in the community rather than removed. The Ross Center article couldn’t be more pertinent to Gateway. Not only is the community disconnected from effective public transportation, it also is disconnected from meaningful economic development because of this. The influx of people into this community just doesn’t happen because it’s a difficult neighborhood to get to without a car. Transportation then is a means for economic development and paramount to growth and survival. The development of rail for example, enables livability, shopping, and sustainability. Advocacy for the above is needed. The larger community needs to be a voice. This voice is absent in Gateway. Finally, the 20 Cities article and DCF article stress the importance of taking broad based ownership in the community, both in the actual businesses but also in the overarching vision of the community. ESOPs, connected and interested companies, credit unions, Co-Ops, socially facing companies, nonprofits, and muni or state-owned companies do not exist in Gateway. Encouraging the growth of these partnerships not only stirs economic development but also educated and progresses the community towards a brighter future. All of these programs serve to engage the community and include them more. As with anything else, more involvement typically means more interest or at least some “skin in the game”. Continuing to expand and broaden this involvement will be key for Gateway and beyond.
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