This Madison, WI project focused on building neighborhood leadership and capacity in the Russett and Balsam areas of the Meadowood Neighborhood Association. The project was funded by the City of Madison Planning Department. The area is one clearly undergoing a profound transformation. It is at risk of becoming another blighted and severely troubled pocket within the city. This is evidenced by growing numbers of police calls and incidents of violence. School data shows sharply rising numbers of low-income families in the area with increasing numbers of children.

We worked to develop a safer, more viable neighborhood by building assets and engaging residents in their Neighborhood Association efforts and their larger community. The project focused on building relationships between newcomers (primarily renters) and long- term residents (primarily homeowners) so that all could work together on an action agenda that they develop. Work in this neighborhood continues.