Free community project analysis by graduate students
The Community Revitalization course allows UNC-Chapel Hill graduate students to conduct market research, feasibility analysis, and financial modeling to help communities understand how they can attract private investment into community revitalization projects across North Carolina. Each semester, graduate students in programs like planning (MCRP), public administration (MPA), and business (MBA) work on projects in multi-disciplinary teams and under the supervision of faculty and staff. At the end of the semester, students present their findings to public officials from the jurisdiction.
How to apply
North Carolina local governments are invited to submit community revitalization projects for students participating in the class. Student teams select their preferred projects based on the details provided by the community. Projects suited for analysis should be:
- Intended for private uses (for example: retail, office, or residential) instead of public uses (town hall, community centers)
- Owned by the local government or a civic-oriented nonprofit, or have a clear path to obtaining site control
- Ideally, historic or otherwise important community structures
Community liaison
Submissions should include the name of a local government staff member who will serve as a liaison for the students. The person in this position should be:
- Accessible and enthusiastic
- Able to help students secure information required for the analysis: land use and planning documents, layout of the building, and interviews with stakeholders
- Able to obtain comprehensive tax parcel data and GIS shapefiles before the start of the semester
Cost
There is no charge for participating local governments.
Deadlines
Project submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. To be considered for a particular semester, submissions should be received by:
- The first Monday in December for the spring semester
- The first Monday in August for the fall semester
If your community’s project is not selected by students, it may be considered again in future semesters.
