The Community Impact Measurement (CIM) process is a comprehensive data-driven approach that NeighborWorks organizations like DHIC use to track changes and progress in specific neighborhoods over time. DHIC conducts this process every three years, focusing on the impact of community development efforts on local residents and their surroundings. The CIM is essential for understanding how these efforts contribute to neighborhood revitalization beyond the immediate benefits of physical development.
The CIM Process
At its core, CIM is designed to assess change in a neighborhood over time. The primary goal is to evaluate the long-term effects of community investment rather than drawing conclusions from a single snapshot. One of the champions of the most recent CIM process, Rachel Tutwiler, DHIC’s Senior Resident Services Coordinator, believes that the value of CIM comes from comparing data collected over multiple periods, which allows organizations to see trends and shifts that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The data collection process for CIM involves three major components:
- Resident Surveys: Residents in the neighborhood are surveyed about their experiences and perceptions of their community. These surveys cover topics like how connected residents feel to their neighbors, their sense of safety, and overall satisfaction with their living conditions. This type of survey is conducted annually for DHIC’s Strong Family Fund at Washington Terrace, with only minor adjustments made for CIM.
- Observational Studies: Teams conduct visual assessments by walking through the neighborhood, block by block, and rating properties based on factors like upkeep, whether residents appear to take pride in their homes, and the overall aesthetic of the area. These observations include DHIC properties, such as Washington Terrace, and surrounding neighborhoods, like Madonna Acres and East College Park, giving a broader view of neighborhood health.
- Key Informant Interviews: These interviews are conducted with various stakeholders, including residents, property management staff, and other community partners like Resources for Seniors. They provide qualitative insights into how the neighborhood has changed over the last three years and what changes may be expected in the future.
The Role of DHIC and Neighborhood Revitalization
One of the core questions that CIM aims to answer is how the presence of organizations like DHIC influences not just the immediate housing development but the broader community. DHIC’s work at Washington Terrace is an example of this, as we have been closely monitoring changes in the area since starting to redevelop the property in 2018, with our first round of CIM at the property in 2020.
For DHIC, CIM is part of a broader strategy to ensure that improvements benefit existing residents and create a sense of pride and community. As Tutwiler explained, “The goal is not to gentrify neighborhoods but to improve the quality of life for those already living there. This is a long-term commitment, with the hope that revitalization efforts will have ripple effects throughout the area.”
In addition to physical improvements, DHIC has made substantial efforts to address residents’ concerns, particularly around safety. For example, Washington Terrace has seen an increased focus on safety measures, including the formation of a resident-led safety committee and strengthened relationships with local law enforcement. These initiatives aim to build trust between residents and police officers, ensuring a safer and more connected community.
Insights from the Data
The most recent round of CIM data collection revealed several important insights:
- Improved Aesthetics: Observations showed that the neighborhood’s overall appearance is improving, with fewer vacant lots and more homes being occupied in areas like East College Park.
- Safety Concerns: While residents generally feel safe in their homes, there are ongoing concerns about safety in the broader community, particularly at night. This finding aligns with anecdotal reports from residents and has prompted DHIC to increase efforts around safety.
- Community Connection: One area where the data shows room for improvement is in residents’ sense of connection with their neighbors. Given the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding a strong sense of community has been a challenge.
Community Impact Measurement offers a structured way to track the effects of community development efforts over time. For DHIC, the results from the CIM process are valuable for understanding both the successes and ongoing challenges of their work in Southeast Raleigh. As the neighborhood continues to evolve, CIM will provide the data needed to guide future improvements and ensure that all residents share the benefits of revitalization.