Melissa Devereaux
Melissa Devereaux, from Purpose Built Communities, discusses the organization's work in community development and the importance of starting with place. She shares the success story of the East Lake neighborhood and the impact of their holistic approach. Melissa emphasizes the need for collaboration and the challenges faced in securing funding for community development projects. She also highlights the importance of neighborhood-level change and the role of community quarterbacks in driving social change. Melissa looks forward to the Neighborhood Economics conference and the opportunity to connect with other organizations working towards similar goals.
Takeaways
Community development should start with the neighborhood as the unit of change.
A holistic approach that addresses housing, education, community wellness, and economic vitality is essential for neighborhood transformation.
Collaboration and partnership are key in community development work.
Funding and capital challenges are significant barriers to community development.
Success stories and impact in community development demonstrate the power of investing in neighborhoods.
