Norfolk, Virginia
Seeking ways to compete with new suburban developments and improve its aging neighborhoods, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and City of Norfolk initiated the Strategic Improvement Plan for Norfolk's Neighborhoods. ACP facilitated an inclusive process to determine ways the City could improve its housing stock and programs to both attract new residents and keep current residents from leaving the City's neighborhoods.
Highlights:
- ACP conducted community meetings in selected neighborhoods throughout the City to engage residents in a discussion about the kinds of improvements they would like to see made in their neighborhoods. Focus groups were also conducted with residents from the suburbs surrounding Norfolk to sample their attitudes about buying a home in Norfolk.
- An extensive analysis of the regional housing market was performed by Zimmerman/Volk Associates, including potential market niches that the city could attract given its present housing stock and services.
- The Plan recommends a three part approach: marketing the city and its neighborhoods, physical improvement of blocks and streets, and individual home improvement.