Guest Columnist Phillip Johnson
An empowered community understands the rules, the reality and the regulatory processes that impact how resources are allocated, particularly funds that come from the federal government in the form of block grant money that provide for vacant building demolition, sidewalk repair, new home development and home repair. The manner in which these funds are used and leveraged to bring in more funds can determine the sustainability of a neighborhood.
In the City of St. Louis, the Community Development Agency (CDA) is the custodian of that federal money. Each October the CDA invites 5013c organizations to make a case for funding. Those organizations must have the support of the alderman in their ward to get funding, thus the aldermen have a virtual fiefdom over how federal dollars are spent. The capacity of a community to grow and evolve is tied to the effectiveness and competence of its elected officials.
In over 20 years I have seen many community newsletters put out by aldermen, but not once have I seen one with an accounting on how they use tax dollars. I contacted the CDA to see how block grant money was spent by ward and was referred to a 400-page document that provided a mountain of data but was not very helpful in answering my central question. Clearly in the age of the internet, that information should be more readily available. An empowered community needs to be vested and informed in how its money is spent.
Communities thrive when several things exists: a stable political infrastructure, inclusive decision-making process, the capacity to hold business and landlords accountable, a willingness to draw in outside resources and a holistic approach to development.
Finally, it needs a community nonprofit group which has competent and visionary board that can be a source of communication and education that is independent of the political process. Our communities can not grow when the political process gives rise to cronyism and back-room deals that bring development and contracts to incompetent friends. Our communities can’t grow when the investment community is turned off by a history of in-fighting and dysfunction.
Forest Park Southeast Housing Agency, headed by Irving Blue, uses a community agreement system that effectively forces community businesses to be more accountable. A “Good Neighbor” agreement outlines the rules that govern whether or not an establishment would be considered a community asset or liability. It holds businesses and landlords accountable.
Suppose you could go to a license renewal hearing with a document signed by the business owner, and make a case that they have failed to live up to their agreement and their license should not be renewed. Imagine if you had the support of the alderman. That’s empowerment!
Imagine if that same community group was empowered to meet with potential developers and as a result was able to negotiate a development agreement that included a commitment to support community schools, provide scholarships, and other community priorities – again that’s empowerment.
In the 21st Ward, Alderman Antonio French recently brought the Bosman Twins to a concert in O’Fallon Park. For the last few years O’Fallon Park had the “rep” of a park to be avoided, so for a concert to be held there is significant. French seems to be engaged and to understand relationship building, the power of the internet and how to connect on a variety of levels. That is encouraging.
For those in communities in North St. Louis that don’t see the same level of engagement from their alderman, you need to start plugging back in. Ask your alderman about the block grant budget. Find out the renewal date of the liquor stores in your ward. Get involved in the nuisance process. Inquire about developing a good neighbor policy. Find out if there is a nonprofit community development agency in your ward and what they are doing. If there isn’t, start one.
Empowered communities are informed and engaged. Those in the community who want change must become engaged.