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Collaborative Community Projects
Designed & Facilitated by Delia Horwitz |
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A VISION FOR DOWNTOWN |
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In this all day meeting
sponsored by the City of Santa Barbara
during the recession of the early 90’s,
sixty-five individuals who were property
owners, residents, city council members,
arts leaders and interested citizens
gathered to discuss how the arts could
contribute to the quality of life and
economic success of downtown Santa
Barbara. |
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Results:
By the end of the day, the group
developed a shared vision that featured
a festive “Village Marketplace” theme.
That vision included connecting various
outdoor venues as a contiguous path of
public spaces. A summary brochure was
created and widely distributed. Because
the key leaders from government, the
community, and businesses had co-created
this vision together, each could move
forward with their portion of the vision
in a co-coordinated way. |
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ECONOMIC ACTION SUMMIT |
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With her colleague Douglas Gillies, Delia Horwitz designed and
facilitated this all day event for over 100 individuals who were Chief
Executives, senior leaders of key businesses or academic institutions
and State, County and City elected representatives. |
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Results: Structured exercises allowed them to listen to each other’s
concerns and reach consensus on three priority actions to revitalize and
sustain Santa Barbara’s economy during one of the worst local
recessions. By tapping the shared wisdom of the participants, resources
were able to be consolidated and focused in the areas they had agreed
upon. |
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SENSITIVE HABITAT DEVELOPMENT |
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As an alternative to the “file our development plans and fight with the
neighbors,” Delia Horwitz was asked by the Director of the Santa Barbara
Airport to facilitate the organizing meetings of a diverse volunteer
group whose shared interest was preserving a Federally protected and
environmentally sensitive habitat while providing for planned
development. Members included large and small property owners including
UCSB, regulatory agencies and citizen groups having an interest in the
area. |
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Results: A committee management plan and by-laws were adopted, a single
document referencing all applicable regulations and plans was compiled,
and the group continues to serve as a forum and clearing house for
issues and projects in the area. |
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ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND DEVELOPERS |
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In the early 1990’s in Santa Barbara, it was rare for pro-environment
and pro-development leaders to find common ground, or even be at events
together unless they were arguing at a public hearing. Delia Horwitz
changed that when she convened twenty-two of the most influential
leaders. They met in six three-hour meetings to identify their shared
vision for the year 2010. They represented broad political spectrum. |
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Results:
Perhaps most important, was that
communication lines were opened and
relationships were established,
including one of the most well respected
environmental leaders becoming a member
of the Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors. The group agreed upon twenty-four community elements they would like to
have in place by the year 2010. They explored the inter-relatedness of
their concerns, as well as the cause and effect relationship of each
element.
A slide show was produced of their vision and shown widely throughout
the community. |
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CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES |
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With so many agencies in Santa Barbara County providing services to
children, youth and families, there was confusion, overlap and gaps in
the efficient and effective delivery of services. The Chair of the Board
of Supervisors asked Delia Horwitz to help this new inter-agency network
develop a shared strategic plan. |
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Results: This diverse group of over 40 county and school executives,
private, non-profit agencies and community based volunteers developed a
shared vision, common values and a five point plan in just twelve hours
over a six month period. The County Supervisors adopted the plan shortly
thereafter. |
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INTER-GOVERNMENT COOPERATION |
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At a time when there were ill feelings coming from fierce competition
for State funding, an historic two day joint retreat was held with the
Executive Committees of the League of California Cities, the California
State Association of Counties and the California School Boards
Association in order to increase their synergy and cooperation. |
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Results: Three joint goals and several shared action items were agreed
to. Longer term, cooperative communication lines were opened for
addressing the ongoing serious budget shortfalls anticipated. |
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HOUSING |
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Citizens in this farm labor intensive community were complaining about
code violations and over-crowding in existing housing, and were in
conflict with agricultural land owners and workers. Angry groups were
packing city council meetings and no resolution was in sight. Delia led
a bi-lingual workshop for about 400 attendees. She selected and trained
volunteer facilitators to mediate in small breakout groups so each side
could better understand the others’ concerns. |
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Results: Residential overcrowding ordinances were passed. |
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DEVELOPING COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY LEADERS |
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Delia co-founded and was the Executive Director of a year long, 30
person Community Leadership Program. Its unique purpose was to be a
neutral and respectful setting for diverse opinions to be aired, and to
train existing and aspiring leaders from every sector of the community
in collaborative methods. Hundreds of people were involved in focus
groups each year to develop content for the monthly all-day sessions, to
be sponsors, or be guest speakers. |
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Results: The first year’s class of Leadership Santa Barbara County
became it’s Board of Directors and nineteen years later, this
independent 501C3 is still bringing diverse existing and aspiring
community leaders together monthly during a year-long development
program. Alumni continue to be involved. |
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