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Mission

To create a sustained system for lifting people out of poverty by creating an environment whereby neighbors from throughout the community work together to address challenges and create opportunities.

Principles

  • We will work alongside the community, rather than imposing projects or actions onto the neighborhoods or present as if “we” are trying to help “them.” 
  • Our focus will be resident-centric, meaning that every decision will take into account the wants and needs of the residents first and foremost.
  • We will focus on systemic, sustainable change. 
  • We will recruit/create new leaders in the community.
  • We will measure and publicize results.
  • We will find ways to incentivize participation (through education and/or $)

Strategy

During the 18-Month Zone Blitz implementation, we will ... 

  • Address the top priorities from the Community Listen tour, but also address other stated issues/problems as able.
  • Use a “barn raising” model – everyone will need to contribute and work together to “move the needle” on community priorities and other “neighborhood health indicators” - Engage the business, faith, medical, education and non-profit service communities in plan development and implementation.
  • Capitalize on existing neighborhood pride; build on this strength by engaging neighborhood residents in solutions.
  • Stress the importance of this project to all Springfield citizens via a broad-based community education campaign.
  • Focus the investment of City funds in the areas identified during the Community Listen Tour to improve these and other “neighborhood health indicators.”
  • Address the Zone 1 “food desert” and encourage/incentivize community gardens.
  • Develop/Expand programs focused on assisting children in poverty.

Who are the partners in the Zone Blitz initiative?


Following the May 2015 Community Listen tour, the City and its more than 40 partners grew to an army of more than 300 individual volunteers and more than 200 partner organizations. Recruited largely in part by City Manager Burris, partner organizations agreed to immediate action planning to improve life in Springfield's under-resourced neighborhoods. View the full list of partner organizations. 

How does Zone Blitz fit in with other poverty initiatives?


Click image for larger view.

Poverty Initiatives Infographic

Download the Zone Blitz Final Report (pdf) or click the graphic below to view the interactive, rich media version.

cover graphic of Zone Blitz final report