Urban Update 
The monthly newsletter of the UMass Dartmouth
Urban Initiative
August 2013
You may remember reading about some research we've been doing on the topic of civic infrastructure --that is, the network of organizations, resources, and citizens that stands to be mobilized in times of crisis or opportunity--in Gateway Cities. This research integrated data we compiled on 20 cities along with questions we asked of 800 Fall River and New Bedford residents. While some of those findings have been released on SCUIP, we've kept the rest under our hats for the purpose of publishing this research for MassBenchmarks, the UMass Donahue Institute's journal of the Massachusetts economy. Here is the link to Colleen Dawicki's article, "Civic Infrastructure in Gateway Cities." Let us know what you think!

Meanwhile, we've been so impressed with--not to mention energized by--our team of high school interns this summer. While they're still working on a report on their findings related to college access in the SouthCoast, they've developed a blog on Tumblr to share information, ideas, and opportunities with their peers. Check it out here: http://aletsgotocollegeblog.tumblr.com/.

SouthCoast Indicators
Did you know that in both Fall River and New Bedford, most housing is renter-occupied? Here are some other things you can learn about through our new topic, Rental Housing:
  • Median rent, by zip code 
  • Rental vacancy rate, by zip code 
  • The percentage of renters who pay more than 30% of their income toward housing  
Here are the links to Fall River's page and New Bedford's page.
From the blog
  • Colleen Dawicki blogs about how the new public transit feature on SouthCoast Google Maps may have some bugs, but it does a great job of illustrating barriers to economic opportunity 
 Upcoming Events

What: Apply to join the Leadership SouthCoast Class of 2014! Visit this link for application form.
When: ASAP; program begins in October
Cost: Full cost for the program is $2,400; tuition assistance is available

What: Third Sector New England's Better Nonprofit Management Training Series 2013-14 schedule announced; topics include donor cultivation, supervision, financial management, and more; visit this link to see all sessions
When: Series begins in September
Cost: Half-day sessions - $89; full-day sessions - $109 (some materials fees may apply)

Let us know if you want to see your event listed in this space! 

 Grants

 

Island Foundation - Deadline: 9/1 

The Marion-based Island Foundation is accepting proposals for its Sept. 1 deadline; prospective applicants should first contact the Foundation to discuss your project idea or renewal request. More information here

 

Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children - Deadline: 9/3

Grants available to organizations working to improve quality of life for at-risk children in Bristol County (MA) and Plymouth County. Details here.

 Job opportunities
Do you need help getting the word out about a job opportunity? Send us your announcement and we'll share it both here and on our blog.

Superintendent - Allan C. Haskell Park (New Bedford), The Trustees of Reservations
The Superintendent will plan and manage TTOR's newly acquired urban park. Jo description available at this link.


In this issue:
SouthCoast Indicators
From the blog
Events
Grants
Jobs




 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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Contact us!

 
Phone:
508-910-6407

Email: [email protected]

Mail:
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Website: http://www.umassd.edu/urbaninitiative/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbaninitiative

Twitter: @UrbanUMassD 



Urban Initiative staff


Project Manager:
Colleen Dawicki


Graduate research assistant:
Robert Golder