Issues: Dept. of Neighborhoods
Regarding neighborhood preservation…
Cities like Portland, Seattle, and Louisville have taken a great leap toward preserving neighborhoods. In some ways, they see preserving neighborhoods as essential as economic development. Just look at the mission for Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods, but in this case, I’ve replaced the word ‘Seattle’ with ‘Austin.’
The Department of Neighborhoods works to bring government closer to the residents of Austin by engaging them in civic participation; helping them become empowered to make positive contributions to their communities; and by involving more of Austin’s underrepresented residents, including communities of color and immigrants, in civic discourse, processes, and opportunities.
Wouldn’t that be a great way to tackle many of the problems we’ve recently faced? As for budget and cost, this is doable. Consider that the Northcross Wal-Mart mismanagement has cost the City at least $684,000 (so far). Then factor in the legal expenses for the other legal battles that took place in 2007 and in previous years. It can be argued that the cost savings incurred by preventing court battles alone could fund a new Austin Department of Neighborhoods.
Find out more about the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods here:
http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods
Find out more about the Portland Department of Neighborhoods here. (They call it the Department of Neighborhood Involvement):
http://www.portlandonline.com/oni
Find out more about the Louisville Department of Neighborhoods here:
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/Neighborhoods