Neighborhood Effects: Random Thoughts From the Pat Sharkey Presentation on Problems Facing Urban Neighborhoods.

Does this apply to la Casa? Is neighborhood effects as big a problem in Waukesha or is it family dynamic?

Who is taking ownership of neighborhood revitalization and are they supported?

Duplication of programs, silos, and absence of institutions that can connect. 

Schools are hostage to neighborhood effects. Absence of empowerment in local leadership big obstacle. Also, duplication of programs and lack of collaboration another obstacle. 

Failure to address corporate role. Zilber is a rarity. Zilber trusts local leadership.

If I argued that Zilber is an extraordinarily unique partner because it has identified and respects what i call local knowledge. Local knowledge is tied to deep support for those leaders who live and work in the very neighborhoods where neighborhood effects theory manifests itself. What would you say if I argued one of the real problems going forward is the inability of the business community to respect and support locally created reform initiative.

Said he was an optimist about the future of Milwaukee, but I think he was pandering to the audience.  If his argument that generations of generations pile on negative socialization, it will take sustained change to overcome the powerful effect this socially created reality has had on behavior.  It becomes an intellectual straitjacket.