Wellbeing Enhancement through Crowd-sourced Assessment of Neighborhood-infrastructure

This NSF Smart and Connected Community (S&CC) planning grant supports the development of the WECAN (Wellbeing Enhancement through Crowd-sourced Assessment of Neighborhood-infrastructure) Smart Toolkit. This initiative aims to rectify inequities in neighborhood infrastructure, such as sidewalks, public transit, and gathering spaces, essential for community wellbeing. Utilizing crowd-sourced data, machine learning, and various analytical models, the toolkit facilitates community-driven decision-making to enhance equity in predominantly low-income, minority neighborhoods. The project involves collaboration between the research team, WECAN Community Task Force, city representatives, nonprofits, and for-profits, focusing on inclusive community discussions, identifying decision-making barriers, and developing effective strategies. Key tasks include project planning, focus groups, interviews, and setting software requirements for the toolkit, aiming to integrate diverse community perspectives into city governance and infrastructure planning. The project’s goals align with NSF’s criteria for intellectual merit and broader impacts.