The Richmond Community Foundation holds the following as core community-building values in the NURVE collaborative:
- Create a sense of belonging: Involve parents and the community at large. Encourage community interaction. Design programs and work in collaboration with the City, School District and the County to ensure public programs are available and accessible.
- Respect the place: Identify and build upon the neighborhood's special qualities. Embrace the qualities of the sense of history and culture that exist in Nystrom.
- Create a safe and friendly environment: Make a walk able community. Increase transportation choices.
- Encourage worthy development: Make development recognize its community obligations. Provide appropriate economic opportunities. Create great places to live.
- Retain a sense of community. Provide families with all of the opportunities necessary to build full, enriching lives. Help parents build a network of support with their friends, families and neighbors.
Community Engagement
RCF has developed a comprehensive, long-term approach to community transformation, and has a strong track record of resident participation in the planning processes for NURVE. RCF facilitates five Action Teams, consisting of residents and stakeholders (such as neighborhood councils, churches, and community-based organizations,) that are working collaboratively to develop and implement strategies to improve neighborhood conditions. The Action Teams are aligned with RCF's core mission to strengthen community across five pillars of community development: Quality Education, Economic Development, Physical Environment, Health, and Public Safety.
The five pillars were identified through a substantive Community Listening Campaign, where residents provided their perspective on needs and opportunities in their neighborhood. The campaign began with community dialogue with parents of children enrolled in Richmond College Preparatory Pre-school and Charter Elementary School. The work centers on areas of common interest - first and foremost the healthy development of children - making a substantial contribution to building a neighborhood filled with health and vibrancy, ensuring access to jobs, healthcare and needed services. Beyond community interviews, RCF works with NURVE partners to reach and involve stakeholders through mapping and site tours, charrettes, surveys, public meetings and celebrations, school partnerships, and media communications.
Capital Building Projects
At the heart of NURVE are five new building projects: construction of a multi-purpose space at Nystrom Elementary School, renovation and historic preservation of the Maritime Child Development Center, rebuilding of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Community Center, as well as the redevelopment of the four-block Nystrom Village Housing. These community spaces will engage a variety of innovative planning practices, including joint-use of facilities, certified "green" design elements, interpretive museum space, and programs and services to best complement the physical structures. The Richmond Community Foundation is committed to helping ensure the success of these projects, and has been a key leader in planning and securing financial support for them.
Updates on NURVE activities and events can be found at www.bayareanext.org and NURVE - City of Richmond.
To learn more about NURVE, please call 510-234-1200, or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by email.
