Public Housing Redevelopment: A Swiss Army Knife Approach

Richmond has a high concentration of public housing projects dating back to the 1940s. Since their construction, communities have been impacted by redlining, concentrated poverty, and displacement by highway infrastructure. This is a familiar story, where the age and state of distressed public housing across the country needs critical attention TODAY. Panelists will discuss the variety of processes underway in Richmond that leverage public/private partnerships, federal resources, philanthropy, and advocacy by creating a broad stewardship model. Panelists will share ideas for project methodology, financial structure, team organization, and decision-making for the recent and ongoing public housing redevelopment sites. Furthermore, while all the Richmond public housing sites are in the same city, each operates as its own community with their own identity, needs, and history. Panelists will demonstrate the tailored approach to each of the redevelopment projects and the methods in which they prioritize community listening, advocacy, and resident empowerment during the planning process and beyond. Panelists will also discuss how they have worked with partners to turn design challenges into opportunities, reflect on how design should respond to resident needs, and methods to incorporate lessons learned in real time while planning for and developing multiple public housing sites in tandem.

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