SOUTH SHORE CONNECTS GOALS
Having access to broadband internet is not only essential for health, safety and the economy, but it's also become a utility during the pandemic.
The goals of this South Shore Connects initiative are to:
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Develop a strategic plan which identifies the South Shore community needs relative to Broadband Internet - Access, Adoption and Use
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Create an action plan for short and long-term broadband service improvements:
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Collaborate with current providers to deliver the speeds/advertised and paid for by our residents/businesses.
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Explore usage of others fiber/high-speed internet for South Shore residents.
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Play an integral role in shifting the paradigm by building thought leaders in our community who recognize the importance of broadband internet access, adoption and use.
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Partner with Benton Institute and other philanthropic organizations to identify opportunities for South Shore to improve internet accessibility, affordability and use.
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What is the Quality of Life Planning Process?South Shore is creating a sustainable plan for the future – a blueprint that will impact what happens in our community for years to come. It’s called the Quality of Life Planning (QLP) process.
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Who can get involved?The QLP involves South Shore residents, business owners, and nonprofits.
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How can I get involved – and stay involved?For more information and updates on the Quality of Life Plan process, go here. Plus: In the next few months (probably in March and April), we will be holding a series of listening sessions. These sessions will be a great opportunity to provide more input as we develop the plan.
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Why get involved?It’s vitally important that residents who live – and want to stay in – South Shore have an opportunity to speak out about issues that affect them and shape their future.
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What are the issues with the Quality of Life Plan in South Shore?This planning process will explore and help set the stage on a variety of important issues, including housing, small business growth, and more. For example, we know that the future of condominiums in South Shore is an important issue for many people who want to stay in the community.
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Who is convening the QLP in South Shore?This QLP is being convened by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, South Shore Works, and the Neighborhood Network Alliance. Last year, we held several virtual meetings for the QLP.
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Why is now a good time to get involved?It’s always a good time to get involved in the community. At the moment, we are at an especially urgent time for South Shore, which can benefit from the expected impact of the Obama Presidential Center. We need to be clear and forceful about our community’s assets, priorities, and opportunities for the future.
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What happens next?Be on the lookout for more information. Click here, or visit our Facebook or Twitter pages.
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Are people and organizations from other communities getting involved in this planning process?These plans reflect the needs of people who actually live here. In some cases, people and organizations that don’t live in a community will get involved in the planning process that’s meant for that community. We don’t want that, we want to hear from you. This is your community, and it’s your voice that matters.
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Have other communities gone through a Quality of Life Planning process?Yes. For more than 20 years, communities in Chicago have participated in Quality of Life Plan projects, which have been supported by LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), a non-profit organization that supports community development initiatives across the country. Twenty-seven QLP’s have been completed in Chicago communities, including South Chicago, Auburn Gresham, and Englewood. In many cases, plans created through QLPs have helped lead to investment in Chicago communities.
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What is the role of The Neighborhood Network Alliance in the QLP?NNA is a co-convenor of this project. In addition, Val Free, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NNA is the project manager for the Quality of Life Planning Process in South Shore under the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
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Where can I get more information?Visit reimaginesouthshore.org
