A regional non-profit, Urban Ecology (UE) seeks to improve participatory land use planning at a local level, with an eye simultaneously on global needs and opportunities for change
Activities
Urban Ecology strives to create neighborhoods that are thriving, healthy places to live and advocates for neighborhood revitalization and regional sustainability. The organization works hands-on in neighborhoods, offering technical assistance with streetscape design, architectural services, and land use planning. It is also active at the city and regional, working to change the rules of the game so more resources are channeled more equitably to create safe, healthy urban communities.
Relevant Project(s)
- Noe Valley Streetscape Project in San Francisco is helping to revitalize the Noe Valley Community Benefits District, which is a popular commercial area. Urban Ecology is helping to make the project safer and more appealing for pedestrians, while maintaining the unique character and vitality of the street.
- Oakland Commercial Center Revitalization is a project for revitalizing the commercial center of a culturally-diverse and quickly-changing community. Urban Ecology is seeking to bridge the stark cultural divide that frequently bogs Oakland down. The organization held a series of workshops in six different languages, attended by more than 300 people. The meetings resulted in a community action plan and funding for redevelopment.
- A publication and events series applies lessons from the San Francisco area to the field of urban ecology and projects across the world. The organization publishes Urban Ecology magazine and hosted the international EcoCity conference, among others.
Relevant Methodologies
Urban Ecology specializes in participatory land use planning that creates a common vision for change and policy advocacy that turns a community’s vision into reality. It employs a democratic, participatory process for planning that integrates the community’s diverse values, priorities, aspirations, and needs.
UE’s real strength as a community organization is in its ability to engage diverse audiences and facilitate projects that include participation from many different sectors of a community. Key elements of success include holding meetings in multiple languages, working simultaneously at local and regional scales and with a wide variety of partners.
Region
San Francisco, CA
More Information
582 Market Street, Suite 1020
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-617-0161 (phone)
415-617-0016 (fax)