- Discipline
- City and Regional Planning
- Semester
- Spring 2015
- related to
- Boehk, Jacob Bowsher, Andrew Hofmaster, Ashley Parikh, Kalindi Yakumithis, Vasilia
- Description
- Some of the most impactful city planning projects are those that simultaneously improve the physical environment and promote a sense of community. Community projects such as urban gardens, playgrounds, markets, property maintenance and renovations all foster a sense of ownership amongst the people who contribute. Ownership in a community is indicative of responsible, active citizens who are therefore more willing to help the community thrive. However, many of the community projects detailed in city plans never get implemented because of a lack of resources or manpower,. Chip-In is an application that provides an accessible and exciting solution to these problems,, while also promoting pride in communities and getting residents involved in the implementation phase of the planning process. Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzzKQ7UAsTU. Chip-In solves the problem of plans getting stuck in the idea phase. By making it easy to donate time and money to a specific project led by a community member, Chip-In utilized the strengths of a community and turns ideas into completed projects. Planners often create asset maps, where they document the resources and skills in a geographical area. However, using Chip-In allows these assets to step into the spotlight and carry a community forward without the effort of physically mapping them. residents who have specific abilities may donate their time to improving their community. Individuals and organizations can use Chip-In to donate their resources towards the completion of a project. Above all, Chip-In makes planning a social activity. By having the ability to post on social media people develop pride in their work and their community. Social media is one of the fastest and most effective ways to transfer ideas, and by allowing people to share their accomplishments and passions with their friends and neighbors, Chip-In creates a trend of community development and pride.