Connected Communities


The Connected Communities initiative advances the work of the department’s participatory design practices, site planning and policy, and implementation of public-private partnerships.

The Connected Communities Guidebook outlines NYCHA's priorities for urban design and community engagement. This publication serves as the Authority's comprehensive approach to urban design across its portfolio, and informs individual project planning, scoping and design. These projects can be undertaken by NYCHA or through partnerships with City agencies as well as private and non-profit partners.

In partnership with Hester Street, NYCHA executed a demonstration project for the Connected Communities Initiative at Pomonok Houses in Queens. The project was focused on implementing community engagement events aimed at elevating residents’ voices and participation in decisions about open spaces. The efforts were community-driven, involved multiple partners (including the Resident Association), and incorporated urban design practices for improving the development and resident quality of life.

Developed by Karp Strategies and funded by Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Connected Communities Initiative Strategic Plan offers a five-year roadmap of actions and tools to strengthen and elevate the initiative to a fully integrated philosophy of practice within NYCHA.

An important component of the Connected Communities initiative, the Open Space Masterplan project re-imagines outdoor spaces across developments by incorporating community needs with necessary environmental upgrades. This study provides a vision for a cleaner, more active, and more connected NYCHA. Through resident feedback and data collection, the study analyzes the unique environmental strengths and challenges of each site. This visionary tool provides recommendations and sets fundraising goals for investments in the outdoor spaces of the NYCHA communities of New York City.



Watch this video for an overview on the project. Playback issues? Watch the video in your browser.


View larger map to see Open Space Masterplan project details and individual reports.


Awards and Recognition: