GOAL 4
Proper Implementation In order to provide the greatest impact to reduce crime and improve safety a strategy needs to be developed about how to allocate funding for projects so that money is spent wisely and allows for the greatest impact. Funding could come from a variety of sources, both public and private, and determining strategies to secure these resources will be important, however this document is concerned with what should be done after securement of a steady stream of funding for improvements. First, in order to demonstrate the potential of success for a new investment program in walkability, demonstration projects could take place. Similar to the new artist popup movement, a temporary strategy to improving walkability should be conducted and results reported and publicized to the greater community on its effectiveness. Minneapolis has done a fantastic job with the expanding Open Streets program, and it is beginning to be used as a demonstration opportunity for things like the North Minneapolis Greenway. Targeting specific streets that may undergo future redevelopment would be a way to gauge potential success, and compare different streets using a similar metric.
Steps to implement plan - Demonstration program - Decide on implementation location - Create unique project - Fund safety inspections/improvements - Improve sidewalks city wide - Improve lighting city wide - Fund block parties - Train citizens in personal safety
Once an initial project has been decided upon, a great deal of care and effort should be placed on making the project unique, so that it gains media attention and creates positive public feedback that encourages more future projects. A strategy for this could be locating projects in a highly visible area, or something that is extremely unique, such as the “glow street� idea to again generate the type of feedback needed to spur continued investment for the program. As funding becomes available, projects should be prioritized based on the largest positive community walkability impact as possible that will also have the biggest effect on reducing crime. The state of Minnesota has a program set up to fund public art at new buildings receiving state funding as part of their 1% for art program.6 A similar strategy should be used once the funding has been secured for a pedestrian improvement project. At least 1% of the project should be allocated to public art, in order to help give each new area a sense of place and uniqueness. The art should reflect the community and act in such a way as to inspire the community and be seen as socially acceptable to the neighborhood. Funding will also be needed to help pay for new safety inspectors, or to allocate resources from police or building inspectors to assist residents. Another option would be to simply make checklists available to residents for their own self-assessment. Either way, funds should be set aside to assist residents who want
6
Minnesota State Arts Board