Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
VIHA (Virgin Islands Housing Authority) asked ULI to convene two previous ASP Panels to provide recommendations in establishing an integrated approach to recovery and reconstruction efforts and reach community consensus about how the territory can evolve over the next 20 years and beyond. This panel concentrates on implementation of the Redevelopment Plan as well as action items and critical path sequencing for actualization of the Plan. The key questions asked of the panel were: Redevelopment Plan Implementation How can VIHA develop a framework for the implementation of the Redevelopment Plan? Community and Resident Wellness and Empowerment Best Practices How can VIHA best implement housing strategies that achieve holistic wellness, social equity and economic mobility for all Virgin Islanders, as outlined in the Bright Path model? Key Partnerships Strategies How should VIHA obtain buy-in from key stakeholders to implement the Redevelopment Plan? Energy Diversification Approaches for Sustainability How does VIHA revitalize new communities that are resilient, use fewer natural resources, and are less dependent on the energy grid?
Key recommendations from the panel include: Develop Organizational and Staff Capacity VIHA does not currently have the staff capacity or required expertise to implement its ambitious Redevelopment Plan. The panel recommends hiring a professional recruiter to fill key open positions, obtaining technical assistance training from experts and support from subject matter experts, and engaging philanthropic partners to supplement staff salaries. Prioritization of Phasing Based on Funding Availability The panel recommends that VIHA prioritize projects that are not hyper-focused on tax-exempt bonds/4% financing, but instead have secured funding that is ready for deployment. The projects in the implementation plan should be broken up into distinct, achievable phases based on human resources constraints. Furthermore, the substantial public dollars coming in from the federal government can be effectively leveraged to attract private investment, having a catalytic effect on investment in Frederiksted. Effective and Inclusive Community Engagement Equitable development is impossible without inclusive community engagement. The panel recommends that VIHA prioritize listening to the community they serve and being responsive to the needs of their residents, shaping what they hear into actionable projects and programs. It is recommended that VIHA identify and engage community leaders to create a conduit for local interests and concerns to be more easily understood and managed in a timely and effective manner. This means meeting people where they are, and including residents as key partners in the engagement process.
Resident empowerment VIHA’s Bright Path resident services model has the right goals but lacks sound measurement mechanisms. The panel recommends that specific, measurable, and equitable metrics be developed to implement the ambitious Bright Path model. Furthermore, the panel recommends that inclusive property management approach be utilized in service of Bright Path model’s goals. Resiliency The panel recommends that resiliency lie at the center of VIHA’s redevelopment plan. Recommendations around energy diversification and sustainability provided in the final report. Key Partnerships The panel sees necessary the creation of a chief housing officer position to coordinate the multifaceted housing demands at the governmental level. Their chief responsibilities should be setting policy, strategic planning, prioritization of resources, oversight of existing agencies (especially VIHA, VIHFA and VIEDA), and “ambassador” functions such as leading engagement with Legislature and Community on behalf of Governor and cluster of agencies.
Report Summary: VIHA (Virgin Islands Housing Authority) asked ULI to convene two previous ASP Panels to provide recommendations in establishing an integrated approach to recovery and reconstruction efforts and reach community consensus about how the territory can evolve over the next 20 years and beyond. This panel concentrates on implementation of the Redevelopment Plan as well as action items and critical path sequencing for actualization of the Plan. The key questions asked of the panel were: Redevelopment Plan Implementation How can VIHA develop a framework for the implementation of the Redevelopment Plan? Community and Resident Wellness and Empowerment Best Practices How can VIHA best implement housing strategies that achieve holistic wellness, social equity and economic mobility for all Virgin Islanders, as outlined in the Bright Path model? Key Partnerships Strategies How should VIHA obtain buy-in from key stakeholders to implement the Redevelopment Plan? Energy Diversification Approaches for Sustainability How does VIHA revitalize new communities that are resilient, use fewer natural resources, and are less dependent on the energy grid?
Key recommendations from the panel include: Develop Organizational and Staff Capacity VIHA does not currently have the staff capacity or required expertise to implement its ambitious Redevelopment Plan. The panel recommends hiring a professional recruiter to fill key open positions, obtaining technical assistance training from experts and support from subject matter experts, and engaging philanthropic partners to supplement staff salaries. Prioritization of Phasing Based on Funding Availability The panel recommends that VIHA prioritize projects that are not hyper-focused on tax-exempt bonds/4% financing, but instead have secured funding that is ready for deployment. The projects in the implementation plan should be broken up into distinct, achievable phases based on human resources constraints. Furthermore, the substantial public dollars coming in from the federal government can be effectively leveraged to attract private investment, having a catalytic effect on investment in Frederiksted. Effective and Inclusive Community Engagement Equitable development is impossible without inclusive community engagement. The panel recommends that VIHA prioritize listening to the community they serve and being responsive to the needs of their residents, shaping what they hear into actionable projects and programs. It is recommended that VIHA identify and engage community leaders to create a conduit for local interests and concerns to be more easily understood and managed in a timely and effective manner. This means meeting people where they are, and including residents as key partners in the engagement process.
Resident empowerment VIHA’s Bright Path resident services model has the right goals but lacks sound measurement mechanisms. The panel recommends that specific, measurable, and equitable metrics be developed to implement the ambitious Bright Path model. Furthermore, the panel recommends that inclusive property management approach be utilized in service of Bright Path model’s goals. Resiliency The panel recommends that resiliency lie at the center of VIHA’s redevelopment plan. Recommendations around energy diversification and sustainability provided in the final report. Key Partnerships The panel sees necessary the creation of a chief housing officer position to coordinate the multifaceted housing demands at the governmental level. Their chief responsibilities should be setting policy, strategic planning, prioritization of resources, oversight of existing agencies (especially VIHA, VIHFA and VIEDA), and “ambassador” functions such as leading engagement with Legislature and Community on behalf of Governor and cluster of agencies.