Still, you probably will need to do some sort of rehab or real estate development, sad but true. But if you start with all the other simple and cheap stuff, you will only have to do the housing programs where simpler measures have not driven private reinvestment. You have more than enough to do. This is fundamental to building your base of stakeholders, and really giving you tons of political power and resources to draw on in the future. This greatly expands your circle of control.
Participation creates ownership .
Using volunteers from more affluent areas of the city gives them first hand exposure to your strengths and gets them past the myths about your neighborhood. Participation is the best antidote for bigotry. Outside participation brings in new resources and extend the ones you have. If you involve disillusioned governmental employees skillfully, setting achievable goals in keeping with your vision, they can find meaning in their work with your organization. This is a very strong strategy if you have not tried it.