Caltrans’ Post

Yesterday, I attended the community safety meeting at the RONDO Saint Paul Public Library, organized by Rena Moran The room was packed with community members, many of whom I recognized as neighbors and longtime residents of Rondo. The diversity in age and background was striking, and it was clear that people truly care about our community—they showed up‼️ During the meeting, people shared personal stories and voiced serious concerns. It’s evident that we are facing a crisis, with a troubling lack of accountability. As our taxes continue to rise, we have every right to demand transparency on where our money is going. I raised the issue of gentrification, specifically noting that areas like Dale/University, Hamline/Midway, and Rice/University are undergoing rapid changes with remodels and new investments. It seems that the City of Saint Paul might be allowing these areas to be overrun with drug activity to pressure residents into selling their homes, ultimately devaluing the neighborhood so properties can be bought at a lower cost. It’s alarming that while our property taxes are increasing by over $1,000 each year, our community continues to deteriorate. We, as residents, witness drug dealers operating openly, parking outside our homes, and yet the city seems to turn a blind eye to it. But we are RONDO—a community with a unique spirit and a special kind of magic! When we unite, the power of our ancestors will reignite, awakening the enduring spirit that has always defined RONDO. This is a place of opportunity, creativity, and deep-rooted love. It’s time to focus our energy and resources on our youth, because they are the future! #ChangeIsComing #loveispower #RONDO #gentrification #Community #MizzMercedez #YoKidzFavoriteTeacher 😊🫶🏽

Day 4 of a #sharednarrative for #Plymouth: A city at the edge. We believe that viewing Plymouth as a city on the edge allows us to embrace our past, bringing it forward in a positive manner and tapping into the potential found in the transitional #liminal spaces - amidst our dialogue, between people, and between organisations. Exciting! At the edge geographically, at the edge of the ocean, the edge of the county, in the far south west of the country. Practically, at the edge of power and on the edge (including the forefront) of practice. At the edge of intersecting communities, it holds the strengths and tensions and benefits of being a military, university, and working class city all at once. Historically, it has been a valued friend to #power (see its naval history), a neglected friend (see the Plymouth blitz and its silencing) and also a rebellious enemy (see the Siege of Plymouth) of power. A city of many neighbourhoods, it hosts both prosperity and deprivation in differing forms - indeed, where there may not be material wealth there is often community wealth. Welcomeness, civic action, determination, grit and mutual support are a key part of the city’s social character. This is seen in POP’s membership of 380 active and diverse groups and that 26% of adult residents in Plymouth volunteer at least once per month. Full Plymouth Octopus(POP) narrative: https://buff.ly/4dQZbD1 POP learning and thinking: https://buff.ly/4fZAcPG Dark Matter Labs @Annette https://buff.ly/3YSF4Ac Sky Space Team Development Cic @Jen https://buff.ly/3yMsPK #BEMOREPLYMOUTH #fairer #greener #futurism #regenerativefutures #learning #sharednarrative #plymouth #systemconvening #community #grassroots #funding #grantmaking #collaboration

Hardwick voters, you will see Atkins Field (CAE) on your town meeting ballot. We are asking for a town appropriation of $4,000 to support the costs of keeping the site publicly accessible (which is less than half of the $8,000 we need to sustain operations). If you live in Hardwick, you have probably been to Atkins Field, the stretch of green space at the end of Granite Street. This beloved community gathering place features a large open-air field, a timber-framed pavilion, trails, an orchard, and a bicycle pump track. It is also home to the Hardwick community gardens and hosts the Hardwick Farmers Market that takes place every Friday afternoon during the growing season. Atkins Field is open to the public (and their dogs!) and hosts numerous events, workshops, and opportunities to engage and connect to nature and each other. Teachers often bring their classes to Atkins to have hands-on experiences in nature. In October, 6th grade students from Hardwick Elementary visited Atkins Field for an afternoon of exploring flood impacts and resiliency in our community. A group of Atkins-focused staff from CAE hosted a circuit of stations around the property, each one centered on a different story from the flood, what was learned, and how people can help. Stations included honey bees, soils, hoop house, and Cooper Brook. Since CAE took ownership of the 15-acre property in 2008, its use by the community as a place to meet, celebrate, engage, and learn has grown exponentially, with the COVID-19 pandemic only solidifying its status as a critical community resource. Over the years, and especially since the pandemic, we’ve seen the ways that Atkins Field is a critical piece of community connection in the greater Hardwick area. Being able to gather outdoors with resources like electricity, wi-fi, and a port-o-let allows more meetings, workshops, and other activities to take place outdoors. In an era of compounding emotional, mental, and physical stress, access to nature and community are vital to our health and well-being. Opportunities for community connection directly fight the social isolation that has become a serious concern in rural communities like ours. Learn more about Atkins Field here: https://lnkd.in/eWVnQGvJ

Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) are a tool used by the City of Fort Worth to promote economic development in smaller business corridors. They are defined geographical areas established for specific types of improvements or maintenance, which are financed through a volunteer tax assessment by property owners. In turn, PIDs allocate costs according to the benefits received. They can provide funding for supplemental services and improvements that meet the needs of the community which could not otherwise be provided. The City of Fort Worth has 13 active PIDs that support public improvement projects in neighborhood commercial districts, like streetscape beautification or additional security. Among them, Camp Bowie District, PID 19, includes 6 miles of Camp Bowie Blvd and segments of W 7th St.   As the management behind PID 19, Camp Bowie District Inc. strategically analyzes the historic commercial corridor and makes decisions based on what improvements are needed. By identifying projects and needs through evaluations and feedback from businesses, we can assist in the funding of the following focus groups:   •   Growth  •   Advocacy  •   Preservation •   Community By sticking to these focuses, our organization can continue to preserve the history of Camp Bowie District and protect the commercial community. #PID19 #CampBowieDistrict #PublicImprovementDistrict #EconomicDevelopment

Hard Work Pays Off! Excited to finally see Pickleball coming to the City of Lindsay. COMING FALL 2024 Lindsay Wellness Center Pickleball Courts The Lindsay Wellness Center Pickleball Courts Resurfacing Project involves the following: 1. Resurfacing: The existing concrete will be resurfaced to create two pickleball courts. This includes crack filling, resurfacing, and striping as necessary. 2. Installation: New equipment will be installed, including poles and nets (2), as well as netting to prevent balls from leaving the court area. 3. Amenities: Four backless benches will be added, and a wrought iron fence will be installed to separate the two courts. Advertising and Proposal Process: Staff advertised the project as follows: 1. Staff disseminated the Request for Proposal (RFP) Pickleball Courts 2024-04 on July 17, 2024, via email to the Builders Exchanges, City of Lindsay website, and all City of Linsday social media platforms. As of the August 7, 2024, submittal deadline, the City received one (1) proposal, which has been acknowledged and detailed below. Tosted Asphalt, Inc., P.O. Box 27014, Fresno, CA 93729 = $98,000.00 FISCAL IMPACT Budget: $100,000.00 Contract Amount: $98,000.00 Fund: Housing & Community Development (HCD) Funds

🚨 L.A. is making history on Skid Row! Over the past year, nearly 1,000 people who once called the streets home have moved into permanent housing, thanks to the $280-million Skid Row Action Plan. - This initiative isn’t just about finding a roof—it's about restoring dignity and hope. With nearly 2,000 more placed in shelters, the program is on track to permanently house 2,500 people within three years. This is a powerful example of how focused efforts can change lives and transform our communities. The work isn’t done, but the progress is real, and it’s making a difference. #LACounty #SkidRowActionPlan #HomelessCrisis #PublicSafety #CommunityFirst

Today’s #MayorsDeskMonday feature is City of Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall Woodfin (City of Birmingham Mayor's Office ), the city’s youngest leader in 120 years. In spring 2022, Mayor Woodfin spoke with Anthony Flint about setting up a unified command center for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the American Rescue Plan Act funds, the city’s participation in a guaranteed-income pilot program for single mothers, and his vision for neighborhood revitalization. “We have to pave more streets,” he said. “We have to have adequate playground equipment. We have to partner with our power company to get more LED lights in that neighborhood, so people feel safe. We have to invest in healthy food options so our citizens can have a better quality of life. These are the things related to neighborhood revitalization that I frame and address to make sure people want to live in these places.” #MayorsDeskMonday is a series spotlighting the mayors featured in Anthony Flint’s recent book “Mayor’s Desk: 20 Conversations with Local Leaders Solving Global Problems.” Learn more about “Mayor’s Desk”: https://lnkd.in/et7kzed3 Buy the book: https://lnkd.in/eJwAE2RT

🌟 Spotlight on Community: The Heart of BLC Roofing 🌟 At BLC Roofing, our mission transcends beyond roofing. Rooted deeply in our core values is the spirit of "Community"—an unwavering commitment to uplift and enrich the lives within the neighborhoods we serve. It's not just about installing roofs; it's about constructing stronger, more resilient communities. Why do we spotlight our community initiatives? 1. Investing In People-Our journey has always been about more than just business growth. It's about nurturing a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. We take pride in taking 3-5 entry-level individuals to six-figure earnings annually, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and opportunity. 2.Service Above Self- Our commitment to service is at the forefront of what we do. Whether it's through our free roofing for those in need, future teen training trade programs, or our local business spotlights, we're here to serve, give back, and make a tangible difference. 3. Building Together- Every community spotlight is a testament to the power of collaboration. By highlighting local heroes, businesses, and initiatives, we're not just sharing stories; we're weaving a tapestry of community solidarity and support. 4. Inspiring Change- Through our actions and spotlights, we hope to inspire others to join us in making a difference. It's about sparking a movement of kindness, generosity, and community service that transcends our individual efforts. As we look forward to another year of growth, both as a company and as a community, we're reminded of the strength found in unity. Our spotlights are more than just moments of recognition; they are beacons of hope, showcasing the incredible impact we can achieve together. Thank you to every individual, family, and business that has been a part of this journey. Here's to continuing to build a stronger, more connected community—one roof at a time. #BLCRoofing #CommunityFirst #GivingBack #CommunitySpotlight

Building affordable housing in California? Not so fast.

Texas Communities Unite for Roof Repairs: Stories of Resilience and Solidarity Across Texas, from the bustling streets of Houston to the historic neighborhoods of San Antonio, communities are demonstrating incredible resilience and solidarity through collaborative roof repair projects. These initiatives not only restore homes but also reinforce the bonds between neighbors, showcasing the true spirit of Texas. In Houston, community efforts post-Hurricane Harvey have been nothing short of inspirational, with volunteers banding together to repair and rebuild. Dallas has seen a surge in local businesses and nonprofits collaborating through the Dallas Roofing Initiative to provide essential services to those in need. Meanwhile, Austin's commitment to sustainable living is highlighted by its push for eco-friendly roofing solutions, and San Antonio's dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage is evident in its specialized restoration efforts. These stories highlight the strength and determination of Texan communities to support one another in times of need. They serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. For more inspiring stories or if you're seeking assistance with roof repairs, visit www.texasroofassistant.com. #CommunityBuilding #RoofRepairs #TexasStrong #SustainableLiving #HistoricPreservation #Resilience #TexasCommunities Join the conversation and share how your community is coming together!