By 2035, establish and begin implementation of at least six community-driven plans to improve and expand green space.
Community-driven planning supports residents to increase green space in their neighborhoods by bringing community members with relevant and direct experience into the process.
Public green spaces – such as parks, lots, sidewalks or gardens with grass, trees, or plants – provide many benefits for people in urban neighborhoods, including improved mental and physical health, cleaner air, and reductions in violent crime. However, there is 28% less park space near residents living in neighborhoods of color than in white neighborhoods, and 43% less park space near residents of lower income neighborhoods as compared to higher income neighborhoods [1]. There is evidence that residents are eager to expand access to green space in their neighborhoods.
In order to support these Philadelphians, we are focusing on helping to establish and implement community-driven plans to improve and expand green space.
In advancing this objective, we recognize that there are many ways organizations can help communities develop greening plans including approaches to planning efforts that authentically represent community needs and desires. These approaches can build community trust and engagement around a shared vision and a sense of ownership of plans and spaces. We are seeking ideas from organizations in Philadelphia about how to do this most effectively.
We measure progress on this objective by documenting the number of community-driven plans and the locations and areas covered by the plans.
