Community development strategies to strengthen communities
Community development strategies can boost neighborhood economic activity, improve the built environment, create better access to transportation, and strengthen neighborhood social ties.
Supportive, vibrant communities strengthen family stability, foster strong social networks, and generate access to opportunity, all of which contribute to positive mobility outcomes at every life stage.
How can community development strategies impact neighborhoods?
- Neighborhoods with good access to transportation and short commute times produce stronger economic mobility outcomes. 1
Commuting time is a strong predictor of upward economic mobility. The longer the average commute in a given county, the lower the chances of low-income families experiencing upward economic mobility.
- Neighborhoods with strong social bonds produce better health and social outcomes. 2
Parks, libraries, community centers, and other well-designed public spaces can foster stronger neighborhood social networks, also known as social capital. Neighborhoods with stronger social capital are linked to higher levels of physical and mental well-being and lower levels of social isolation.
- Access to parks and green spaces improves community health. 3
Residential proximity to neighborhood parks and green spaces is correlated with better physical health, mental health, and general well-being. Individuals have less mental distress, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy cortisol levels when living in areas with access to green space.
- The physical condition of neighborhoods affects community-wide outcomes. 4
Neighborhood blight is associated with crime and diminished economic activity and contributes to negative community employment, education, and health outcomes.
- Neighborhoods with access to fresh and healthy grocery options see better health outcomes. 5
Neighborhoods without access to fresh and healthy grocery options (food deserts) are associated with poor health outcomes for adults and contribute to higher rates of obesity among preschool-aged children.
Categories of successful interventions
- Built environment improvements: Investments in physical infrastructure that create healthier, safer, more economically vibrant communities
- Parks and green space: Initiatives that seek to improve the quality of and access to parks and public spaces
- Transportation access: Investments, programs, or policies that improve neighborhood access to transportation
Evidence-based interventions
Intervention | Type | Category | Evidence Level |
---|---|---|---|
Alcohol outlet density restrictions | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Automated speed enforcement cameras | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Bike and pedestrian master plans | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Community gardens | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Community land trusts | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Complete streets and streetscape design initiatives | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Farmers markets | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Green space and parks | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Housing rehabilitation loan and grant programs | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Inclusionary zoning policies | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Individual incentives for public transportation | Policy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Land banking | Strategy |
|
Strong (second-highest tier) |
Mixed-use development | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Places for physical activity | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Traffic calming | Strategy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |
Zoning regulations for land use policy | Policy |
|
Proven (highest tier) |