September marks many new beginnings at UMass Dartmouth, and the Urban Initiative is no exception. Next month's newsletter will have a new look, and it will detail the exciting new approach we'll be taking to our work in support of Gateway Cities. Keep an eye on your inboxes!
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New reports
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Our high school interns have returned to their studies after ably exceeding our expectations to design, carry out, and report on projects relevant to our neighboring Gateway Cities. Here's what they produced:
- Eleanor Bodington and Emma York were interested in learning about the degree to which elected officials in each city demographically and socioeconomically reflect the populations they serve. After surveying City Councillors and School Committee members, here are their findings in Fall River and New Bedford.
- Mason Thibault and Adam Vieira set out to determine what qualities divide "good" neighborhoods from "bad" ones. Using the concept of placemaking, they devised a system of quantifying abstract concepts and toured both cities to determine how areas of Fall River and New Bedford compare when it comes to aesthetics, walkability, and sociability. Their full report is posted here.
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From the blog
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- Meet Jason Wright, our new graduate research assistant and Master of Public Policy candidate!
- Mike McCarthy wrote this update on the status of our efforts to study the economic influence of New Bedford's Acushnet Avenue commercial corridor.
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Event
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What: Women's Fund of Southeastern MA Leadership Breakfast ; this year's theme is "Women and Wages: Get Even," and panelists will include the Urban Initiative's Colleen Dawicki
When: Thursday, October 16, 8:30-10a
Where: Woodland Commons at UMass Dartmouth
Cost: $20 ($5 for students)
Click here to learn more.
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Grants
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MassDevelopment grant to fund coworking spaces in Gateway Cities
Matching grants available to organizations providing underserved teens with access to technology and 21st century skills. RFP available here.
Viola Bernard Foundation grants to support mental health access - LOI deadline: 11/2
Grants of up to $15,000 will fund programs that provide children and families with access to mental health services. Learn more here.
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Job opportunities
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Land Stewardship Director, Buzzards Bay Coalition"The ideal candidate will have more than 5 years of conservation land management experience, a proven track record of success within similar mission driven organizations, demonstrated skills associated with managing rural and urban properties for conservation and recreation, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a passion for the environment, Buzzards Bay and its watershed lands." Read more at this link. Hiring? Let us know and we'll spread the word.
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About the Urban Initiative:
The UI addresses challenges and opportunities in the region's smaller industrial cities, also known as Gateway Cities, with an emphasis on neighboring Fall River and New Bedford. In addition to conducting applied research, evaluating programs, facilitating collaborations, and providing technical assistance to cities and organizations, 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 undergraduate and graduate students, who apply their coursework in the field by serving as paid staff and interns.
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Urban Initiative staff
Project Manager: Graduate research assistants:
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