Pillar 4: Improve the Local Quality of Life
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the standard of living has to improve for our citizens in Pontiac. There are basic things that are missing within our neighborhoods that most progressive communities have. In short, my perspective is that schools, hospitals, grocery stores, parks, banks, and other accommodations have to be present within a 10-15 minute walking radius in order for a community to truly thrive and progress. When basic living necessities are met, we humans have a way of focusing on more evolved thoughts (pursuing education, advanced career opportunities, etc). We psychologically move away from constantly thinking about the survival of those in our immediate circle and start to imagine more positive possibilities.
From the Advisory Group Input portion of Pillar 4, there is a mention of greater diversity in housing, and a need to unite groups with similar or like causes.
First, I agree that our housing development should be catered to what we believe the shift in home landscape will be moving into the future. Our city stakeholders should take note that a younger generation has different wants and needs in terms of housing taste and selection.
During my former life (working for a large residential component manufacture), there were studies done every other year specifically geared toward understanding what the “next” homeowners are looking to transition into as they acquire more buying power. There is enough readily available research that can help with identifying current and future trends. Aside from that, as traditional homes become in need of repair, we can strategically look to match repairs with “upgrades” that begin the transition process toward updated housing.
Secondly, if you recall the blog post presenting my Governing Proposal: Plans and Initiatives, I specifically speak to forming legislation that builds a consortium for groups that have similar missions (youth, economy, etc.) I spent most of the time speaking to the groups that have a calling to empower the youth in our community. There is more that can be accomplished by leveraging multiple groups opposed to trying to tackle issues alone.
While there is a place for improving the transit within our community, my belief is that when you consider the size of Pontiac and other immediate issues that require attention, there may not be a pressing need here. When a quality standard of living is defined by the ability to have access to basic necessities within a 5 mile radius (personal definition), priorities become clearer. The economic analysis reflects that household income levels remain well below the surrounding area, region, and nation in comparison. The question becomes, what is the most effective and productive measures we can take to improve the average income level for the residents of Pontiac? There are a number of solutions that all act as a piece to the larger puzzle. The organization of collectively agreed upon priorities is a good place to start.
The community survey states that “residents ranked the need to enhance existing neighborhoods as the highest priority for redevelopment in the City” (Pg. 33). While I agree with this assessment, I find it far too broad of a solution to create actionable steps of improvement. I believe we have to begin by understanding what each community is lacking. What interest areas exists among local residents within that neighborhood.
I would be remiss if I didn’t spend more time on the average household income. Pontiac is certainly open for business. Although businesses should have a social responsibility to the community it dwells in, their goal should be to make money in the purest sense. With that said, the expendable income within the community is low enough (~$25,000 give or take) that people within the community may not be able to afford the services provided. Businesses then rely on people from outside of the community to drive Pontiac’s economy. In previous posts, I stated that Pontiac has an unhealthy circulation of income within city limits. That will continue unless we strategically start (in some ways) and continue (in other ways) to provide opportunities for residents improve their income. Potential resolutions include current job opportunities, training for current/future industries, resources allocated toward specific industry education, and Entrepreneurship to name some opportunities.
Next Publish: Pillar 4 - Strategies