Réna Bradley

Neighborhood Planner @City of Fort Wayne

Implementing over in project funds to develop innovative resources, programs, and tools that equip-and promote agency of-Fort Wayne neighborhood associations and residents- FORT-ify Pilot Project: Creating, launching and implementing a 6-month-long leadership development program and curriculum for growth-oriented neighborhood association leaders. Each association in the initial cohort received a rapid, immersive and experiential education, developed a Quick Action Plan (QAP), received a new brand and logo, and obtained up to $8,600 for implementation of QAP projects and community engagement events. Nearly 20 guest speakers and subject matter experts were engaged to support 2 developing and relaunching associations- Neighborhood Association & Leadership Development Initiatives: Equipping Fort Wayne residents with tools to be more effective and knowledgeable advocates for and in their community by developing, leading, and/or facilitating the 2023 \"Inspire Neighborhoods Conference\"(attended by over 130 community residents, and subject matter experts) and Neighborhood 101 Presentations. Neighborhood 101 Presentations provided basic primers to: Asset-focused Community Development, Civic Engagement, Governance & Succession, and Fundraising-Neighborhood 101 Guides & Community Resources: Increasing exposure and accessibility to the civic engagement processes by mobilizing STEM high school students, university students, community stakeholders, as well as local animators and media consultants to produce and promote Neighborhood 101 Guides (pamphlets with complementary videos that demystify city processes, community tools, and resources) and a Vacant Lot Activation “Cookbook.”-Fundraising: Identifying and obtaining over in funding to implement neighborhood-focused initiatives.