Policy Research of the Virginia Park Neighborhood’s Community Development | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Policy Research of the Virginia Park Neighborhood’s Community Development

June 2019 - July 2019

Summary

During this projects, students supported the organization’s effort to prepare for grassroots-driven community and economic development.  They researched the development of the Virginia Park neighborhood by analyzing data sets and surveys spanning from 1976 to present day in order to address the needs of residents and outline a plan for future development.

Community partner

360 Detroit, Inc.

Students

Bernadette King Fitzsimmons (BA ‘20)
Carly Ryan (BA ‘20)

Project overview

360 Detroit, Inc. was founded with a mission to “revitalize Detroit by catalyzing change, empowering people and improving life’s quality.” Since its inception, the organization has pursued that vision by hosting community engagement meetings and block parties, providing information about social and community service, and distributing needed items such as food, backpacks for children and home safety supplies to local families.

The students supported the organization’s effort to prepare for grassroots-driven community and economic development.  They researched the development of the Virginia Park neighborhood by analyzing data sets and surveys spanning from 1976 to present day in order to address the needs of residents and outline a plan for future development.