Yesterday we added a new dimension to the SouthCoast Urban Indicators Project: original data collected via telephone surveys of 800 Fall River and New Bedford residents. The questions we asked were related to civic infrastructure, and the new sub-categories we just added relate to perceptions of collaborative leadership in both cities.
Over the next several months, the Urban Initiative will be adding content to the site and publishing research briefs reporting on more survey data as well as complementary secondary data we've been accumulating. We'll announce newly published information on our Facebook page, so be sure to 'Like' us for updates!
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SouthCoast Indicators
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Our first sub-category with original civic infrastructure research is collaborative leadership. Research has demonstrated that cities are more resilient when leaders work together across sectors and issue areas, and funding opportunities (like the Boston Fed's Working Cities Challenge) have followed. Here's a snapshot of how Fall River and New Bedford residents perceive collaborative leadership in their cities:
- 38% agree that collaboration exists between city government, nonprofits, businesses and citizens; another 38% do not
- generally, people who are satisfied with living in their city report higher levels of agreement that collaboration exists
- there is a notable difference in perceptions of collaboration between Fall River and New Bedford residents.
Intrigued? Visit www.southcoastindicators.org. to see results from Fall River and New Bedford, or read the research brief that presents results from both cities side-by-side. |
PHOTO CONTEST!
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Remember, photo contest submissions are due on April 20. Check out details and instructions and help us spread the word!
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From the blog
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- We used to share project updates right in the newsletter, but since that took up so much valuable real estate, we're trying a new approach: writing a monthly blog post on what we're doing and how we're doing it. Read that here!
- Bob Golder wrote a post on the newest version of SimCity, which now has more features than ever before--including a component for middle school students!
- Jason Hill considers the future of marine policy in this post about shipping in the Arctic.
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Upcoming Events
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What: "Measuring Sustainability: an introduction to the South Coast Urban Indicators Project (SCUIP)." This is the third event of our graduate student speaker series, 'Sustainable Cities,' hosted by UI Project Manager, Colleen Dawicki, MPP '12.
When: Thursday, April 11, 6:00p
Where: Claire T. Carney Library, UMass Dartmouth (285 Old Westport Road)
Cost: Free
What: 5th Annual Civic Engagement Summit, presented by the UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement.
When: Thursday, April 25, 8:30a-1:30p
Where: Woodland Commons, UMass Dartmouth Cost: $25 (free for students); register here
What: Strategic Communications Workshop: participants will learn the key building blocks needed to plan for and implement strategic communications and media plans in their organizations. When: Thursday, April 25, 9-1p
Where: TSNE's Nonprofit Center
89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111
Cost: $99 (includes lunch); register here Save the date: ' Sustainable Cities' keynote speaker, Catherine Tumber, will be discussing her book on the role of smaller industrial cities in a low-carbon future on Thursday, May 9 (6p at the Celtic Coffee House). Mark your calendars!
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Grants
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Active Schools Acceleration Project (ASAP) seeks applicants from K-12 schools combating child obesity - Deadline: April 22 ASAP will award $1,000 grants to one thousand schools to implement one of three ASAP signature programs aimed at addressing child obesity through school-based programs. Details here. Ray C. Anderson Foundation environmental grants program - Deadline: rolling Through its Gray Notes Grants program, the foundation will award grants of $2,000-$25,000 for projects related to: environmental conservation, preservation, education, and restoration; urban agriculture; clean water/air; and grassroots efforts aimed at promoting collaboration and engagement. To learn more, click here.
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About the Urban Initiative:
The UI is a division of the Center for Policy Analysis that addresses challenges and opportunities in the region's smaller industrial cities, with a particular emphasis on Fall River and New Bedford. In addition to conducting applied research, evaluating programs and policies, facilitating collaborations, and providing technical assistance to cities and organizations therein, the Urban Initiative serves as a knowledge base for urban policy issues in the region. Perhaps most importantly, our work to support cities supports UMass Dartmouth students. Graduate and undergraduate students enjoy the opportunity to apply their coursework in the field by serving as paid staff and interns. If you are or know of a UMass Dartmouth student who wants to work with the Urban Initiative, get in touch!
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