Neighborhood Planning always involves collecting background information. This topic covers a range of planning tools used to describe neighborhood conditions and inform planning. The tools include some standard approaches like using Census data and surveys. Other less frequently used techniques are oral histories, population forecasts, and employment projections. Background information should be collected in the service of neighborhood strategic planning. Presenting background information should be of secondary importance to Neighborhood and community development strategies,and their implementation.
Reading List
Background Information
Subtopics inside:
History / oral history
Bureau of Census data
Survey research
Population forecasts
Employment forecasts
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data &
the Community Reinvestment Act
Key Readings:
Neighborhood Planning and Development Class, University of New Mexico, Bel Air Neighborhood, December 1994, “History”, pp. 13-29.
Reading #4 (pdf)