The President’s Message

While doing some research for a client, I came upon a white paper published by the Urban Institute that focused on Neighborhoods. I found it of interest as I was reading it the day after our September membership meeting.

One of the hallmarks of our neighborhood and our association is our diversity. We do not use the term casually and to look at the makeup of the people, the homes, the backgrounds, the opinions…we can all truly say we are a diverse group.

I share the following with you as food for thought. Enjoy!

Brian Buralli

President's Message

The Value of Neighborhood Diversity

Neighborhoods matter to the well-being of children and families. They are the locus for essential public and private services, with schools perhaps the most significant. Quality grocery stores, reliable child care, safe after-school activities, and healthy recreational facilities also shape the quality of life a neighborhood offers its residents.

Neighbors help transmit the norms and values that influence behavior and teach children what is expected of them as they mature. Teenagers in particular are profoundly influenced by their immediate peer groups, which are often dominated by neighbors and school mates who have the potential to either fuel healthy competition over grades and athletics or pressure one another to join risky adventures or engage in illegal activities.

Where people live influences their exposure to crime and violence, including the risk of being a victim of burglary or assault. And research increasingly suggests that exposure to crime and violence has far-reaching consequences, such as persistent anxiety and emotional trauma.

Finally, some neighborhoods offer better access to job opportunities than others. Although few people work in the same neighborhoods where they live, proximity to job centers and the availability of mass transit can open up or constrain employment opportunities.