The Human Development Overlay District (HD-ODTM) is a new initiative that integrates human capital development with physical planning and development in rapidly changing neighborhoods. The goal is a comprehensive approach to investing in people and place through innovative uses of information technology and local partnerships.
The HD-OD concept is premised on the idea that physical place and the people who live there should develop and progress together. HD-OD is intended to meet the needs of three interrelated constituencies in neighborhoods that experience rapid changes: Proponents of the catalytic events and public policy change; Community stakeholders (individuals, institutions and organizations that foster social cohesion) and local vulnerable populations made up of stakeholders (low income residents renters, the elderly, small businesses) who may be negatively affected by these changes.
HD-OD’s focus on the vulnerable populations is part of an effort to engage those people most directly affected by the catalytic projects and/or policy changes reshaping the community, but who very often, due to lack of ready access to relevant and understandable information, do not fully benefit from development initiatives. HD-OD embraces change as an opportunity for upward mobility by identifying the vulnerable populations, assisting their efforts and tracking their progress over time. Human development interventions, through individual Human Capital Plans, will be initiated and coordinated with physical development plans through the local HD-OD Community Change Centers.
Individual growth is measured against personal aspirations in relation to the progress of overall community goals. |