We had an exciting Community Meeting 2 held at Wainwright Manor (5601 Gibson Blvd) on Saturday, October 19th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Approximately 45 participants attended, including residents from the neighborhood and the target public housing sites, as well as the Choice Neighborhood planning team with members from the Albuquerque Housing Authority and the City of Albuquerque.
Participants shared their input on how to improve housing, neighborhood services, and overall community well-being. This meeting included reviewing the progress of the neighborhood and resident surveys in addition to participating in activities to start shaping a collective vision for the future of the International District.
The goals of this meeting focused on:
Sharing and discussing the findings of the community needs assessment.
Reflection and ideation activities, including conversations about the future of the community.
Collecting input about ideas for Early Action Activities.
Providing input and direction on a unifying vision for the neighborhood while defining design principles.
The meeting format featured open engagement activities, using stations displaying materials and prompts for resident input. It also incorporated a group activity inspired by the game Family Feud, where residents tested their knowledge of community preferences using results from the resident needs assessment survey. This activity further allowed for additional reflection and insights from participants.
Vision Wall: Residents were asked to input their ideas for a community vision using images and adding notes explaining what it meant to them and how it related to the International District.
Community Voices: Residents were encouraged to share their memories, feelings, and hopes for the planning initiatives.
Visual Preference: Residents provided input and voted for the elements related to design preferences for housing, open space, and amenities.
Early Action Voting: Residents participated in an interactive voting process to select a prospective location and a desirable Early Action Activity. They also placed pins on a map of the International District to indicate where it should take place.
Some of the main insights from the meeting included:
Need for infrastructure that enhances security and accessibility, such as improved street lighting and accommodations for children and elderly residents.
Desire to build a stronger sense of community by creating spaces that encourage gatherings and allow residents to enjoy the neighborhood’s cultural and physical assets.
The importance of providing shelter and storage solutions, with a focus on addressing homelessness, drug use, and overall safety.
Interest in creating environments and programs that foster a sense of belonging, such as shared plazas, as well as ensuring that amenities and recreational centers are affordable and accessible.
Need to improve access to fresh, affordable food through initiatives like grocery stores, edible community gardens, or public cooking spaces, which can help strengthen community bonds.
As part of October’s community involvement, the planning team also hosted Youth Workshops at Grove Apartments and Pennsylvania Apartments. Approximately 20 kids and teens participated in hands-on activities to envision spaces, amenities, and resources they’d like to see in the neighborhood. Their ideas encompassed adding playgrounds, playfields, and community rooms, highlighting the need for active green and open spaces.
Community Meeting 2 and the Youth Workshops were highly effective, actively involving residents in shaping a collective vision. Participants were deeply engaged in the various activities, providing valuable input and feedback.
