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The Principle of the Neighbor of Choice: Redefining Urban Planning for Inclusivity and Empowerment

Shane Blair

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Published in Corporate Community Relations: The Principle Of The Neighbor Of Choice

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Corporate Community Relations: The Principle of the Neighbor of Choice

by Edmund M. Burke

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2439 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

Urban planning has long been guided by the principle of zoning, a practice that segregates land uses and creates rigid boundaries between residential, commercial, and industrial areas. While zoning has served its purpose in regulating urban growth and promoting order, it has also led to the creation of homogenous neighborhoods, exclusionary housing practices, and a lack of diversity within communities.

In recent years, a new principle has emerged as a challenge to traditional zoning practices: the Neighbor of Choice. This principle advocates for the creation of neighborhoods where people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ethnicities have the opportunity to live side by side. The Neighbor of Choice is based on the belief that inclusive and diverse communities are more vibrant, resilient, and equitable.

The Benefits of the Neighbor of Choice

The benefits of the Neighbor of Choice are numerous and far-reaching. Inclusive neighborhoods foster greater social cohesion, reduce crime rates, and improve overall well-being. They also provide access to a wider range of services and amenities, which can improve residents' quality of life. Additionally, the Neighbor of Choice can help to combat gentrification and displacement by ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to benefit from urban renewal and development.

Implementing the Neighbor of Choice

Implementing the Neighbor of Choice requires a fundamental shift in the way that we plan and develop our cities. It involves moving away from exclusionary zoning practices and towards more flexible and inclusive land use policies. It also requires a commitment to community engagement and resident empowerment, ensuring that residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

There are a number of specific strategies that cities can use to implement the Neighbor of Choice. These strategies include:

Incentivizing mixed-income housing developments
Promoting the creation of affordable housing
Encouraging community-led planning and development initiatives
Investing in public transportation and infrastructure that connects neighborhoods
Providing support for local businesses and entrepreneurs

Case Studies

There are a number of cities around the world that have successfully implemented the Neighbor of Choice principle. These cities have shown that it is possible to create inclusive and diverse communities that are vibrant, resilient, and equitable.

One example is the city of Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver has a long history of implementing inclusive housing policies, including the creation of mixed-income housing developments and the promotion of affordable housing. As a result, Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in North America, with residents from over 200 different countries.

Another example is the city of Portland, Oregon. Portland has implemented a number of innovative planning and zoning policies that promote inclusivity and diversity. These policies include the creation of "neighborhood overlay zones," which allow for a mix of uses within residential areas, and the adoption of a "comprehensive plan" that prioritizes affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

The Principle of the Neighbor of Choice is a transformative approach to urban planning that has the potential to create more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities. By breaking down the barriers that separate people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, the Neighbor of Choice can help to build stronger communities and make our cities more just and livable for all.

Corporate Community Relations: The Principle of the Neighbor of Choice

by Edmund M. Burke

5 out of 5