Practitioner Perceptions of City-Subcontracted Community Organizing

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings Planning departments use nonprofit subcontractors to increase neighborhood community organizing. However, this is the first study to assess practitioner perceptions of this subcontracting arrangement and its effect on addressing or perpetuating racial inequities in neighborhood community organizing. We used 39 interviews in an exploratory study of Oklahoma City (OK) and a nonprofit that is contracted to do neighborhood organizing. Interviewees described how the organization improved some community organizing given its detailed approach to formalize neighborhood associations. At the same time, participants believed that the subcontracting relationship and focus on formalized neighborhood associations perpetuated existing disparities in community organizing given long-standing challenges of systemic racism. The study is limited in its focus on one example but provides implications for local municipalities that contract out community development services. Takeaway for practice Nonprofits can be important partners in expanding community organizing in neighborhoods. We offer recommendations for how planners can assess and work with subcontractor community organizing nonprofits in various stages of contracts, such as co-creating metrics for success and evaluating these outcomes with the subcontractor. Planning departments can then better understand how to modify future contracts to address racial equity disparities. Planners also should understand how these organizations may highlight ongoing ineffectiveness and challenges of working with diversifying publics and existing disparities in the planning process.