And it can ultimately lead to a better working environment through learning that can advance more fundamental policy changes. Despite the more visible conflicts, there also have been some positive collaborations between the city and community organizations. For instance, two new SRO housing developments, funded in part by the city, recently broke ground. The ability to form a constructive working relationship through these projects will help improve prospects for future collaboration. This experience required both sides to develop patience, look at alternatives and make trade-offs.
Experience is also a learning process.
Building some level of trust and respect during the negotiation of these projects may ultimately lead to other projects, and perhaps substantive policy discussions in the future. Effective discussion will require all sides to formulate realistic scenarios for accommodating the interests of the private sector, government and residents of all income levels. This type of problem solving approach is usually lacking in broader policy discussions. Coalition building between local government and community organizations is possible in other areas. Common ground exists with respect to issues at the regional and national levels, where many resource allocation decisions are made.