280 likes | 288 Views
Dive into a case study exploring collaborative leadership in the Alma Street Affordable Housing Project in Palo Alto. Discover innovative solutions to create low-income family housing in an elite community.
E N D
Alma Affordable Housing ProjectA Study in Collaborative Leadership Dr. Frank Benest frank@frankbenest.com www.frankbenest.com
The Situation • Palo Alto has become unaffordable, elite community • Council had established goal of promoting affordable housing • Frank had personal goal & passion for creating very low-income family housing & promoting more balance & equity in community • What was typical reaction in Palo Alto to creating very-low income rental housing for families? • This was classic adaptive challenge
Palo Alto Case Study • Listen to case study as it unfolds • Note & jot down key elements of the collaborative leadership process
Palo Alto Case Study Alma Street Affordable Housing Project • Street Electrical Substation in downtown across from train station • Use city-owned land to create low-income family project • Engage Community Working Group (faith-based advocacy group) and Eden Housing, Inc. (non-profit developer) as partners
Palo Alto Case Study The Problems 1. Stanford wanted $1.5 M to lease land for new substation 2. General Fund would lose $1 M/yr in lease revenue 3. Two key Council Members had conflicts 4. Site abutted newly-built million-dollar condos 5. Site was constrained; adjoining parcels were expensive
Palo Alto Case Study • The “Team” • Disparate group • No commitment, little energy • Over time, struggled to overcome obstacles, find solutions together • Everyone made contribution
Palo Alto Case Study Leadership Solutions • Provided Stanford $1.5 M housing fee credit • Negotiated $1 M contribution to General Fund from adjoining condo developer • Purchased auto shop site with in-lieu funds from other developer • Created new non-profit entity not involving Council Members
Palo Alto Case Study Leadership Solutions • Swapped ownership interest with hardware and office owners to create mixed-use project • Engaged neighbors through Community Working Group • Project now included low-income family rentals over hardware store and low-income senior units over office and services
Palo Alto Case Study • What collaborative leadership approaches did you discern from the case study?
Palo Alto Case Study • What happened? • What was Frank’s reaction? Epilogue
Convener and conversation starter Translator Story teller and framer of issues Dream-maker Journey leader Engager Follower Teacher Learner Cheerleader Party host Different Leadership Roles
Resources • Review packet materials • Books on promoting creative thinking • Frans Johansson, The Medici Effect, 2004
Resources (con’t) • Cal-ICMA Coaching Program • Webinars www.cal-icma.org/coaching • One-to-one coaching match-ups • Women Leading Govt • Career Compass advice columns • “Bouncing Back From Defeat” • “Selling Your Ideas” • “Smart Risks” www.frankbenest.com
Reaction Panel What resonated with you? What did not? What do you have to add?
frank@frankbenest.com everetted@comcast.net