The Unity Council的动态

Landmarks Illinois announced the 2024 additions to its Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois this morning. This year’s list includes the former Sears Administration Builidng at Homan and Arthington Street in North Lawndale. This massive Classical Revival/Chicago School-style building was built over two phases in the early 1900s. It was the beating business heart of the massive Sears campus, whose construction was driven by renowned Jewish-American businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Following Sears departure from Lawndale in the 1970s, the Administration Building has been woefully underutilized. When I worked in Lawndale in the early aughts it held a small mix of political and non-profit offices; a gallery dedicated to African-American artists rented a chunk of fourth floor. The building has been vacant since the 2010s. There have been many discussions about how to reuse the 239000 square foot brick and white terra cotta building, but no real action. This is unfortunate given surrounding adaptive reuse efforts at the campus including: the metamorphosis of its power house into a LEED platinum-rated charter school, the conversion of its catalog building to long-term affordable housing, and the transformation of the ORIGINAL Sears Tower into non-profit officers and classroom space used by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Efforts are currently underway to also restore the Sunken Garden located directly across Arthington from the Administration Building. The upside here is that the Administration Building is back on the market after being purchased by a trucking affiliated company in the late twenty-teens. Now, with some creativity, the leverage of historic tax credits and affordable housing incentives, and maybe some City bond funds it too can expand on Sears legacy on the West Side.

Building affordable housing in California? Not so fast.

Reviving East Oakland: A $100 Million Plan for Change ?????? Reading this article warmed my heart, as it reminded me of the Oakland I grew up in—deep East Oakland, a place that once thrived and now struggles under the weight of systemic issues. While I’m now in Brooklyn, the parallels between these communities are undeniable. Both have been shaped by the same structural forces that have caused so much pain, yet both hold immense potential for rebirth. The $100 million Rise East initiative, led by community members with deep roots in East Oakland, is a powerful testament to what’s possible when we invest in our people and our neighborhoods. The energy and determination to rebuild and transform is palpable—and it's a reminder that we have the power to shape our own futures. As the author mentions, this is more than just a financial investment—it's about reclaiming the spirit and resilience that once defined our neighborhoods. We’ve rebuilt our communities before, and we will do it again, showing the world what we’re capable of. Let’s support efforts like Rise East and all initiatives that prioritize community-led solutions. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and create lasting change. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eAE6paQa #communities #thrive #rise #eastoakland #brooklyn #investment

Going vertical is the main solution for the city limits of the alike metropolitan area, new challenge for designers and regulators to bettering overall facilating quality in the higher density micro community.

Calling all business owners that are looking for a fun and creative way to network and build connections! Join us at The “Race to Break the Silence" as we bring you the ultimate scavenger hunt on the Toronto Islands and the Royal Canadian Yacht during the most beautiful time of year. ??: June 27th, 2024 ??: Royal Canadian Yacht Club ??: $1000.00 per individual All funds raised from the event will support our Affordable Housing Initiative, the Yemoja Village where we will be building 47 affordable housing units to help provide a solution to poverty, homelessness, and inequality, ultimately hindering the overall prosperity and well-being of our society. As a race participant you will gain the following benefits: CSR Benefits: As a business owner or individual entrepreneur, demonstrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more critical than ever. Joining this event showcases your commitment to social impact, enhances your brand reputation, and aligns with the values of your stakeholders and customers. Networking Opportunities: Engage with like-minded professionals and industry leaders who share your passion for making a difference. The "Race to Break the Silence" provides a unique platform to network, collaborate, and form meaningful connections that extend beyond the event day. Community Impact: Affordable housing is not just a housing issue—it's a fundamental human right. Yet, too many individuals and families in our community face the harsh reality of housing insecurity. By participating in this event, you're actively working towards tangible solutions and contributing to a brighter, more inclusive future for all. The "Race to Break the Silence" event is more than just a scavenger hunt—it's a catalyst for change. Together, we have the power to create a community where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Visit our information for more information today:

Even when people try to do the right thing, NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) gets in the way. ============" In San Jose, Calif., the average cost to build just one unit of low-income housing shot up by 24% in 2022 alone, hitting a new high of $938,700, or roughly what it costs to buy a three-bedroom bungalow there, according to an October report commissioned by the city. San Francisco permitted 856 housing units this year through October. New Braunfels, Texas, which is one-eighth the size of San Francisco by population, permitted 1,940 units in the same period, according to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development." https://lnkd.in/gTMzs_mS

My work is my passion. I'm not always online, but always active. Right now, I'm blessed to be working at both grassroots level and macro level. Making visible and tangible changes, small and large - by growing food, community, connecting people to land and self discovery, watching nature's healing powers right before my eyes - and also working with a multi-disciplinary team of highly talented and skilled researchers and professionals to tackle big questions like feasibility and scalability if GGR methods, creating robust MRV frameworks to meet Net Zero targets, and engaging arts and humanities in the GGR conversation. We need spaces to explore our connection to nature, but also to learn about it. We need spaces to experiment with food and learn how to grow - how to enrich soil with Biochar or crop rotate for health. We need the scientist, and the farmer. It is with that love and passion that I write this post. A local Bristol Farm that I've come to know and love (Bridge Farm Community) has been at risk of loss due to financial losses and planning delays and, a pandemic. Exhaustive conversations by our directing team, and think tank sessions with brilliant Bristolians have led to a possible solution. Today I'm excited to share the opportunity that we all have to KEEP Bridge Farm Community in community ownership once and for all. By raising ￡100,000 in match funding, we will qualify for a Community Ownership Fund (CoF) so that Bristol Community Land Trust (BCLT) can purchase the farm from the pioneer lenders, ensuring it stays in community. By reading the story and history of this special land, and donating to the crowdfunder, you can help keep secure the future of the farm and keep it as a space for learning, growing, community, and connection for years to come. As we are learning, we make a better future by investing in it! More details, history, context: https://lnkd.in/ep6gtbA3

It can be done.

Join the conversation!

Brandon Downtown Development Corporation offers three distinct grants to support the growth and enhancement of businesses in Downtown Brandon: ? Commercial Spaces Incentive Program (CSIP) - This program focuses on revitalizing commercial spaces, promoting accessibility, safety, and beautification to foster a welcoming and inclusive downtown area. ? Brandon Downtown Business Improvement Program (BDBIP) - Aimed at enhancing business operations, this program offers financial aid for costs associated with marketing, operational improvements, and strategic business services that can drive growth and sustainability. ? Fa?ade and Storefront Improvement Program - This grant encourages aesthetic enhancements to downtown storefronts and buildings, providing funding to improve exterior appearances and promote a vibrant commercial atmosphere. We have seen the positive impact these grants have had on Downtown Brandon and look forward to more successful improvements. Applications are now open, with BDDC providing detailed guidance and support to potential applicants. For more information on the grants and application processes, visit? ??https://lnkd.in/gWXXXiA7 #BrandonOpportunities #BrandonCommunity #BDDC #manitoba #westman #downtown #development #investment #brandondowntown #brandonmb #bdnmb #investlocal #DowntownBrandon #CommunityRevitalization