Project Cities connects higher education with local communities, creating a powerful combination of knowledge and know-how.
Project Cities is a university-community partnership. Through the program, sustainability faculty and students pair with a city to co-create strategies for better environmental, economic and social balance in the places we live. Students from multiple disciplines research challenging issues chosen by the city and propose innovative sustainability solutions that enable the city to make progress toward a better future.
Project Cities in action
Project Cities connects ASU faculty and students with a city to co-create innovative strategies for better, more livable communities.
How do cities get involved?
Cities apply to become a Project Cities partner through an annual Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The RFP opens in the fall, but cities are encouraged to reach out to Project Cities staff early; we are happy to provide guidance and recommendations on crafting a strong proposal for your community.
Testimonials
The city of Apache Junction was extremely fortunate to be the inaugural city for the Project Cities program. The city, community residents, ASU students, faculty and staff worked on a total of nine different projects. All of the projects and studies paid high dividends to the community. Two projects especially stand out. The off- leash dog park analysis led the city to formalize plans, hire a design firm with expected construction in early 2020. The solid waste and recycling project which was done over several years and classes directed the city to a more sustainable method of solid waste and recycling collection and disposal. The city is moving forward with awarding a contract to a single hauler based on the RFP and Ordinance amendments that ASU students assisted the city in drafting. The city can’t say enough positive things about the Project Cities program and how it will continue to work in cities and towns all across Arizona. The communities and students are the beneficiaries of this visionary program!
– Bryant Powell, City Manager, City of Apache Junction
Project Cities has been a wonderful partner for the City of Glendale! Through working with ASU faculty and students, we have found great support and new ideas as we prepare for a more sustainable future. Through this innovative partnership, students have assisted staff on a diverse range of topics, including developing a new social media management plan, identifying strategies for improving community engagement with Glendale’s diverse residents, and generating benchmarks and best practices as our recycling program adapts to a changing market. Project Cities provides a great opportunity to continue strengthening our ongoing partnership with ASU, through a thoughtfully-curated approach to university-community collaboration. Sustainability is an important component for Glendale’s strategic focus on the future, making this partnership a win-win for us.
– Amanda McKeever, Administrator, Department Support Services, City of Glendale, Community Liaison for ASU Project Cities
News
Partnership highlight: ASU class helps small Arizona town with tourism, retention planning
[caption id="attachment_34752" align="alignright" width="300"] Source: ASU News[/caption]ASU News highlighted a recent partnership between Project Cities and the Town of Miami! Here is a short excerpt:
"Students pointed out that social media is an important resource for both tourism and retention and can be launched quickly. They recommended letting younger town residents manage the accounts, using organic...
Project Cities highlight: Landscape architecture student creates xeriscape designs for city of Phoenix
[caption id="attachment_34698" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo by Ken Fagan/ASU News[/caption]
ASU News highlighted a recent partnership between Project Cities and the City of Phoenix Water Services! Here is a short excerpt:
"Lomeli’s project includes three possible designs based on the average size of a small, medium or large plot in Phoenix. Her plans incorporate a guide for how...
New summary report released: Resource Guide to Support Aging in Place
As one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona, Peoria’s population continues to age, creating a need for the City to further develop its resources available for its population of older adults to ensure the well-being and active participation of all members of the community. In response to this need, the City’s Neighborhood and Human...
The EPIC-Network
Project Cities is a member of the Educational Partnerships for Innovation in Communities Network (EPIC-N), a national network of over 30 educational institutions partnering with cities throughout the United States and world.