Building Trust in the Relocation Process
RSG is currently providing relocation planning and implementation services for the redevelopment of an approximately 100-unit public housing community in Richmond, California. Recognizing the community’s history and the concerns associated with redevelopment and relocation, RSG developed a resident-centered engagement strategy focused on building trust, encouraging participation, and keeping residents informed and supported throughout the process.
Before preparing the Relocation Plan, RSG worked with the development team to establish a comprehensive outreach program. The team developed multilingual resident materials, FAQs, interview guides, contact tools, and communication protocols, and established a dedicated project email and communication platform to provide residents with an ongoing point of contact throughout the multi-year redevelopment.
Community engagement efforts included participation in resident events, advance outreach planning, and a comprehensive resident interview process. RSG coordinated messaging and outreach strategies ahead of resident gatherings and community meetings, allowing residents to learn about the project, meet the relocation team, and begin building relationships before formal relocation activities commenced. The team’s hands-on engagement approach helped increase participation in one-on-one household interviews and ensured residents felt comfortable sharing information about their needs and concerns.
Through individualized interviews, RSG gathered critical information regarding household composition, language preferences, accessibility requirements, employment and school locations, transportation needs, pets, and other factors that could influence relocation planning. These interviews not only informed the development of the Relocation Plan but also provided residents with an opportunity to have their voices heard and their individual circumstances considered. The resulting information helped shape relocation phasing strategies, identify support needs, and ensure relocation benefits and services were tailored to the unique needs of each household.
The engagement effort demonstrates RSG’s ability to combine regulatory expertise with meaningful community outreach. By prioritizing early engagement, clear communication, and individualized support, RSG helped create a foundation of trust between residents, the development team, and public agency stakeholders. The project highlights RSG’s commitment to ensuring that residents remain informed, respected, and actively involved throughout complex redevelopment and relocation initiatives.
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