In a time of diminishing public resources, urban universities are being approached by their neighborhoods and by city governments to play an increasingly active role dealing with the complex challenges of urban revitalization. The urban university has a significant stake in improving the quality of life on and adjacent to its campus. The university typically is the most powerful institution in the neighborhood, but it alone cannot deal effectively with these challenges. As a result, partnerships are imperative. The composition of these university-community partnerships will vary depending on the local situation, but the experience of The Ohio State University offers a model for the strategies to be employed if these partnerships are to be successful.

The model which Campus Partners has developed with Ohio State:

· Begins with community-based planning which identifies a shared vision for the neighbor-hood, builds consensus for a plan of action and permits trust-building among stakeholders.

· Employs a comprehensive approach using multiple partnerships to address key issues, such as housing, education, public safety, employment, and municipal services.

· Emphasizes market-based revitalization through programs and projects which are critical to removing barriers to private investment. Ultimately, the public dollars and university commitment are limited and must support efforts which over time will validate private choices to live, work and invest in the neighborhood.

· Identifies strategic revitalization projects of sufficient scale and potential to positively alter the underlying market conditions and shift the public and private perception of the neighborhood.

· Engages both the academic and academic support sides of the university with community stakeholders. To sustain these partnerships over time, however, each university unit’s mission should have some alignment with the neighborhood’s goals.

· Focuses on long-term results because the issues are complex and require a comprehensive approach.

The model must be embedded in the university’s culture and in its ongoing relationship with its neighbors. Through this authentic relationship, the university stakeholders will learn much from observation and participation as an agent of change.

For neighbors, the hard work in building trust and a partnership with a large, often confusing, Hydra-like university can be worth it. As an ally, the university – with its status and political power in the community – can be instrumental in building credibility for the partnership and in bringing other stakeholders – government, businesses, institutions, foundations – to the table to help address the issues of urban revitalization.


Last updated May 1, 2009.