Community Engagement

Community engagement is a way to involve community members in decision-making processes that affect them. By participating in the engagement process, our community members have the power to help shape the project's design. Together, we can create a development that not only functions well but also truly reflects the community's needs and values.

The Spectrum of Participation (developed by IAP2) describes five general modes of participation that fall on a
progressive continuum of increasing public influence over decision-making:

Inform > Consult > Involve > Collaborate > Empower

The Dolores engagement effort will focus on Informing, Consulting, and Involving
members of the public in a transparent process.

Resident Focus Groups

Access Architecture will be meeting with residents and property managers/maintenance staff of existing Hacienda communities. There will be a series of four in-person focus group sessions throughout design and construction. This dialogue with community members who have lived experience is critical to creating a vibrant and inclusive project that will meet the needs and aspirations of its residents.

We have planned a total of four 90-minute focus group meetings, each aligned with specific project design phases, to capture resident input effectively. Access Architecture will be seeking feedback on various aspects of the design, including common outdoor spaces, common indoor spaces, unit design, programming, furnishings, and artwork. Click here to see how the meetings are going!

Advisory Round Table

The Advisory Round Table is being established early in the project’s development to ensure that the design of our project reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the community it serves. The team of 8-10 members will be made up of different stakeholder groups, including non-profits, community organizations, and cultural institutions. We hope to create a dynamic forum for rich discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative decision-making!

Most of the Round Table sessions will be held virtually, allowing for convenient collaboration. We have planned a total of four 1-hour meetings, each strategically aligned with specific design phases. Click here to see how the meetings are going!

Virtual Presentations to Interest Groups

These virtual presentations are online presentations meant to engage and communicate with specific interest groups that have a vested interest in Dolores. These presentations are more informative in nature, leaving some time at the end for questions and answers.

Neighborhood Meeting

The neighborhood meeting is a gathering of residents and stakeholders in the local community to discuss and learn about Dolores. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the community about the project, address any concerns or questions, capture community input, and share the different ways the community can remain informed throughout the project timeline.