MSUS Capstone April 2016

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

MSUS CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS April 29, 2016

PRESEN CPACS 109A Alumni Panelists: Beth Cunard Garber, Annette Artherton, Carna Pfeil, Barbara Duncanson Lacey Matney 1:00–1:15 PM Improving Nebraska Transportation Safety: Vision Zero Principles and Ending Accidents with Pedestrians & Bicyclists

This study explores the characteristics of automobile accidents in Nebraska. Focus is on accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists as they are among the most vulnerable in interactions with our transport networks. It presents this information along with Vision Zero principles to show a need for safety improvement in many areas of our transportation system, including policy and infrastructure. Vision Zero policies envision the safest streets possible, eliminating the possibility of serious injuries and deaths on our street. Data from this research is publicly available here: http://arcg.is/1SaKfyX

Royce Sheibal 1:30-1:45 PM A Policy Analysis: The Housing Study Grant Program of the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

This policy analysis will provide insight into how effectively the Housing Study Grant Program of the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority has achieved the goals set forth upon its creation. It will also discuss the manner in which the program has changed the landscape of housing in Nebraska, and provide recommendations that could benefit the program in the future.

NTERS Alesia Montgomery 2:00–2:15 PM PM Evaluating the Asset- Based Community Development Model (ABCD) as a Best Practice to Increase Community Engagement for Underserved Residents in Our Communities

Many communities have not found effective ways to include underserved residents in the community engagement process. Because of this lack of involvement, these communities have failed to tap into the insight and social capital that these residents possess. In addition, when individuals or groups do not feel as though they have a voice in community decision making, or are not aware of how to actively participate in this process, many feel alienated or disenfranchised.

The goal of this presentation is to examine two nonprofit organizations to see if they use the ABCD Model, and to determine if this Model increases community engagement within their communities.

Ryan Morrissey 2:30–2:45 PM Asset Building: Bayliss West Neighborhood in Council Bluffs, IA

The Bayliss West Neighborhood is located in Council Bluffs, Iowa and is a major focus of NeighborWorks Home Solutions. Currently, the Bayliss West Neighborhood Association (BWNA) suffers from low engagement. They routinely hold monthly neighborhood meetings and on average the attendance is less than ten residents. Most of the meeting focuses on the negative side of the neighborhood (crime, problem properties, etc.). The goal of this project will be to bring the established businesses and residents in the neighborhood together to look at the positive side of the neighborhood through Asset Based Community Development while also reaching out to more residents. This positivity will create a more inviting space for neighborhood association meetings and will in turn increase engagement within the area as more people become involved in improving their neighborhood.

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