Tuesdays at APA - A Tale of Two Neighborhoods: The HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative in Action

January 28, 2014


The HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative employs a comprehensive
approach to neighborhood transformation through the
revitalization of distressed public housing and the creation of
economic, social, physical, and educational initiatives. Through
this initiative, planners and community groups are working to
turn distressed housing and long neglected neighborhoods into
viable and sustainable mixed-income communities that support
positive outcomes for families.


In this program, Adam Rosa, AICP, of Camiros compared and
contrasted planning efforts in two different Choice
Neighborhoods. He shared the strategies that are being employed
in the troubled Ellis Heights neighborhood of Rockford, Illinois,
to foster positive neighborhood change through the arts and
online entrepreneurship (including a strategic relationship with
Etsy.com). In addition, he discussed the creative techniques
being used to address the distinct challenge of gentrification in
the rapidly changing Rosewood community of Austin, Texas.