YFMP PHASE I SEPTEMBER 2009 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Townsend -Raitt Task Force: A Model in Santa Ana Townsend -Raiff Taskforce (TRT) is a group of stakeholders from the Townsend -Raitt neighborhood successfully engaging community residents in local crime prevention efforts. TRT emerged in late 2007 as an attempt to reinvigorate the Townsend Street area's Weed and Seed crime reduction efforts. The goals of the TRT, as identified by the community are: neighborhood improvements and continued community engagement through community forums. TRT is comprised of approximately 60 individuals from multiple agencies including law enforcement, youth and children resources, social service organizations, education, faith, developers, property owners, city agencies (PRCSA, Planning & Building and Development) and residents. Although the police department took the initial lead in facilitation, it has always been a collaborative effort. TRT has a horizontal structure and four subcommittees focusing on different community- identified priorities: 1) Infrastructure, 2) Crime & disorder, 3) Support services and 4) Resources for children. The TRT meets every 2 months. Community Forums- organized in partnership with residents and neighborhood associations- have been a key success of TRT. Forums generate neighborhood priorities through mapping out issues voting on priorities. On average, 100 residents attend. Successes include: • Increased ownership: Residents have a leadership role in the community forum meetings. • Sustainability: Increased resident connectedness and initiative assures the work remains locally relevant and self - sustaining. • Reduction in crime: In conjunction with other work by law enforcement over the past 5 years crime has reduced - the increased presence of police has reduced the perception of crime. • Building positive relationships: TRT fostered relationships between stakeholders that have resulted in other positive projects like community gardens in local schools and the commitment of a local developer to establish scholarships for local youth. Key characteristics of TRT: - Community ownership- community forums identify shifting needs and priorities - Site specific- focuses on small geographical area - Regular, consistent town forum meetings - Constant communication and collaboration improves trust and ownership - Participation of trusted local institutions made the transition to ownership by the residents oossible (ea. school nrincinals and local faith leaders) Youth & Family Master Plan Assessment, Phase I I Page 32