Online First: Community-Level Engagement in Public Housing Redevelopment

Community-Level Engagement in Public Housing Redevelopment

1. Laurie A. Walker1

1. ¹University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

1. Laurie A. Walker, School of Social Work, University of Montana, Jeannette Rankin Hall 004, 32 Campus Dr., Missoula, MT 59812, USA. Email: laurie.walker@umontana.edu

Abstract

Community-level engagement of public housing residents and their neighbors may help prepare them for the redevelopment of their neighborhood. The mixed-methods design included a resident survey (n = 386) and in-depth resident interviews (n = 25). Readiness for transit-oriented mixed-income redevelopment (TOMIR) was predicted by neighbor cohesion, organizational collective efficacy, and possessing a transition and/or relocation plan. Resident involvement in local neighborhood organizations was predicted by awareness of neighborhood problems and involvement in activism. As involvement in neighborhood organizations goes up, readiness for TOMIR also goes up. The study structural equation model had adequate model fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = .90, root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = .02, Tucker–Lewis index [TLI] = .90). The study developed three new measures that can be used in TOMIR contexts with existing community engagement measures. The study adds to the evidence base for community-level interventions preparing public housing residents for the redevelopment.

• community change
 
• housing
 
• transit
 
• planning process