As part of FIRM’s work in support of the Fresno “Building Healthy Communities” process, sponsored by the California Endowment, we are helping Southeast Asian community members have a voice in the Downtown Neighborhoods Community Planning and Revitalization Process currently underway in the City of Fresno. This Fresno process seeks to transform all the neighborhoods south of Highway 180 into healthy, vibrant places to live, with opportunity for all residents.
As part of this work, FIRM staff member Franklin Yang and community resident Bill Lee recently attended the “New Partners for Smart Growth” Conference in Charlotte, NC. This conference, sponsored by the EPA, HUD and the Local Government Commission aims to help grassroots leaders across America understand the basics of community planning and how they can be involved in influencing decisions toward “Smart Growth” that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of development. Much learning was done by all!