City Community Research Articles

Pronombre o adjetivo demostrativo o este… marcador del discurso: El uso del marcador del discurso este en el español de México

This paper aims to present observations on the pragmaticalized use as well as the concomitant functions of the demonstrative este in Mexican Spanish. Este seems to serve an additional range of functions in Mexican Spanish in particular, but also in other Hispanic American varieties, as it has turned into a quite productive discourse marker that can be considered, among other things, as a hesitation element, an outline signal, and probably also as an evidentiality marker. The specific functional domains (especially with regard to possible evidential functions) will be illustrated in more detail in the paper using oral language data from the speaker community of the southern Mexican city of Oaxaca de Juárez. The study also includes a sociolinguistically oriented quantitative analysis, the results of which will also be discussed in the context of language ideological attitudes towards este.

STRATEGI ASPEK PRIORITAS KOTA LAYAK HUNI (LIVABLE CITY) PADA KOTA BANDAR LAMPUNG

A livable city is a comfortable condition in an urban environment to become a place for activities and a place to live by considering at two aspects, which are physical and non-physical aspect. The city of Bandar Lampung is part of the 10th bottom-tier city with a comfort index of 56% based on the Most Livable City Index (MLCI) in 2017. There are several aspects that are not feasible according to the MLCI assessment. Those five aspects are pedestrian facilities, city park facilities, development information and community participation, sewage and drainage management, and transportation. The aim of this study is to formulate a strategy on the priority aspects of livable city in Bandar Lampung using a deductive approach and data collection techniques through observation and interviews. This research is conducted by using Analytical Hierarchy Process and SWOT analysis. The result shows that the priority aspect that needs to be improved in order to make livability in Bandar Lampung is by improving sewage and drainage management. And the strategies that is formulated to improve the sewage and drainage management are optimizing routine maintenance on tertiary and secondary drainage as a preventive measure against floods, optimizing the development of Community-Based Total Sanitation to reduce pollution in drainage, and strengthening the coordination between the government and the community in environmental maintenance, especially drainage.

Readiness For Household Scale Waste Composting: Waste-Knowledge Management

The Surakarta City Government faces many obstacles in implementing the waste management system, especially household waste. These problems include waste management sites that are no longer able to accommodate waste (overload), low public awareness of clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS), weak sanitation management institutions and human resource capabilities. This research was conducted to determine the basic knowledge of the Surakarta City community regarding household waste management so that it can become a benchmark for waste handling in the future. The method used is descriptive and analytical and the respondents are 100 residents from five districts in Surakarta City. Data was collected through interviews with a questionnaire guide, observation, and recording, followed by analysis using descriptive statistics. The readiness level of 59.8% indicates that the people in Surakarta are ready to adapt to the conditions needed to achieve Knowledge Management readiness in household-scale composting. Counseling to improve waste processing skills for Surakarta residents can be carried out as an option to reduce waste from the main source of waste engagement.

Diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults in an urban underprivileged community in Bangalore city, India.

Diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors of cardiovascular disease, which is known to be the leading cause of global mortality in the world today. Studies have shown that the prevalence of these risk factors is on the rise, with the burden of diabetes alone increasing by 80% in the last two decades. Complications of diabetes and hypertension result in huge public health challenges for the country and catastrophic medical expenditures for families among the urban poor. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors among adults in an urban underprivileged community of Bengaluru city. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months where 2245 individuals aged 30 or older were interviewed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire used to capture sociodemographic details that assessed modifiable risk factors for diabetes and hypertension. Inclusion criteria for diabetes were considered if the random blood sugar reading was ≥200 mg/dL, whereas a diagnosis of hypertension was taken into consideration if the systolic blood pressure reading was ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure was ≥90 mmHg. Among the 2245 participants that took part in the study, 15.5% were diabetics and 17.2% were hypertensive. There was a strong association of diabetes among consumers of alcohol, with more than one-third having a high prevalence of the disease (odds ratio (OR): 2.09, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.1-3.9). More than half the population were consumers of junk food; the prevalence of diabetes in this group was 1.35 times higher than that in their counterparts (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). A significant association of diabetes was also seen among those identified with central obesity (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.4-2.5). One-third of the population who consumed alcohol were found to be diagnosed with hypertension (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.6-5.9), and one-fifth of individuals who were regular consumers of junk food had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8). A higher prevalence of hypertension was also seen among individuals with central obesity or a body mass index (BMI) of >30 (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1; OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6). The findings from our study conducted in an urban underprivileged area of Bengaluru city shed light on the significant associations between diabetes and hypertension and various demographic and lifestyle factors. Specifically, male gender and lower educational status were found to have a significant association with diabetes, whereas being unmarried and having a high BMI status were strongly linked to hypertension. In addition, the study revealed that elderly individuals, alcohol consumers, junk food eaters, and those with central obesity demonstrated an increased risk for both diabetes and hypertension. By identifying these risk factors, targeted interventions can be developed to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable section of society. Strategies can be designed to raise awareness, encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and improve access to healthcare services to effectively prevent and manage diabetes and hypertension in this community.

Analysis of Income Use of Toraja Migrant Community in Palu City, Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the use of income of Torajan migrant community in Palu City, Central Sulawesi Province. The study procedures were carried out using a descriptive approach by analyzing independent variables without making comparisons or by connecting other variables with in-depth examination. In addition, the sample population comprised Toraja community who migrated to Palu City, totaling 1,896 heads of families. A total of 190 heads of families were then selected as respondents based on the inclusion criteria using the Slovin formula. The results showed that income of Toraja Migrant Community was very diverse and was used for various purposes. Apart from being used to fulfill primary needs, such as education, old age, and health, income was also used to finance culture, including rambu tuka' and rambu solo', which often required relatively large costs.

The Effectiveness of Regional Regulation Number 19 of 2021 on Beggars and Buskers in Pontianak City

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Regional Regulation No. 19 of 2021 in addressing the presence of beggars and buskers in Pontianak. Data sources include primary and secondary data, with analysis guided by Dunn's Evaluation Theory, focusing on five indicators: program understanding, target accuracy, timeliness, goal achievement, and real change. This theory elucidates the nexus between government decision-making and regulation implementation. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis as part of qualitative descriptive research. Informants, comprising Pontianak City social service employees, buskers, beggars, and community members, were selected using Purposive Sampling. The regulation was instituted in response to the fluctuating numbers of beggars and buskers in Pontianak from 2019 to 2023. Findings indicate a necessity for the regulation to better align with Effectiveness Indicators, notwithstanding commendable progress in actual change indicators. Nonetheless, further enhancements are required for the regulation to achieve optimal effectiveness.

The Effect of Service Quality and Toll Price Rates on Toll Road User Satisfaction (Case Study on Kelapa Gading – Pulo Gebang Toll Road)

Toll road construction is one of the main supporting aspects in the process of accelerating Indonesia's national development. However, along with population growth and regional development, road infrastructure is increasingly filled with various modes of transportation which ultimately causes buildup and congestion. The construction of toll roads in Jakarta is one alternative to break down congestion in the city. The construction of the Kelapa Gading - Pulo Gebang Toll Road is expected to be able to increase road capacity so as to facilitate transportation between the two regions. However, the varied toll rates cause different perceptions in its users. Toll tariff determination is generally oriented towards financial analysis which results in not being commensurate with the ability (Ability To Pay) and desire (Willingness To Pay) as well as the determination of the ideal tariff of the community as toll road service users. This research uses a descriptive method with a quantitative approach. Data collection using questionnaires and documentation. The research population of the entire Jakarta city community in 2022 is 10,679,951 people, the number of samples calculated using the Slovin method resulted in 100 respondents selected through certain criteria. Data analysis uses validity tests, reliability tests and descriptive analysis. The results showed that the level of driver satisfaction with the quality of service of the Kelapa Gading - Pulo Gebang Toll Road was in the "Satisfied" category as evidenced by the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) value of 78.62% which was in the range of 61% to 80% so that it was in the "Satisfied" category. Then, the quality of service and tariff policy have a positive effect on the satisfaction of users of the Kelapa Gading - Pulo Gebang toll road, which is indicated by the F value calculated > F table (48.060>3.09) and the significance of < 0.05 (0.00<0.05) means significant / influential. The respondent's Ability To Pay (ATP) on the highest Kelapa Gading - Pulo Gebang toll road tariff was Rp. 166,766.24, namely for respondents with the job category as a Housewife / Father and the lowest ATP was Rp. 125,620.99, namely for respondents with the job category as Students or Students. The average Ability To Pay (ATP) value of all respondents was Rp. 147,582.02. While the respondent's Willingnes To Pay (WTP) value on the highest respondent's Kelapa Gading - Pulo Gebang toll road tariff was Rp. 21,750, namely for respondents with the job category as Students or Students and the lowest WTP was Rp. 20,523, namely for respondents with the job category as Civil Servants (PNS) or TNI / Polri. The average Willingnes To Pay (WTP) value of all respondents was Rp. 20,970.

Acceptance Model for Utilizing E-Marketplace Tokopedia with Technology Acceptance Model Among Pekanbaru City Communities

This research is based on the urgency of understanding how people adopt Tokopedia e-marketplace, utilizing the conceptual framework of the Technology Acceptance Model. The research follows a quantitative approach, with primary data collected used a questionnaire. The study's target population are Tokopedia’s user at Pekanbaru. Non-probability sampling was employed, specifically purposive sampling, with sample criteria including individuals who have engaged in transactions on Tokopedia within the past 3 months, with ages ranging from 17 to 45, and domiciled at Pekanbaru. A total of 100 respondents participated in this study. Path analysis was employed for data analysis using SPSS. Result shown that perceived usefulness has a positive and significant effect toward behavioral intention to use, perceived ease of use has a positive and significant effect toward behavioral intention to use, perceived usefulness has a positive and significant effect toward actual use, behavioral intention to use has a positive and significant effect toward actual use, perceived ease of use has a positive but insignificant effect toward actual use, perceived usefulness has a positive and significant effect toward actual usage through behavioral intention to use, perceived ease of use has a positive but insignificant effect toward actual usage through behavioral intention to use.

Homestay drives community's socio-economic development and sustainability; a case study of Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Northern Pakistan is one of the most visiting places by both domestic and foreign visitors. This visitation phenomenon encourages residents to commercialize their residences portion a partial sharing into homestays. The northern area tourists have the privilege to experience homestay operations due to a shortage of lodging demand-supply gaps. A homestay is an idea of accommodation operation in which a visitor pays a charge to stay with a host family and engage with the native population. GB in general and Skardu in particular, benefited from the homestay due to national and international tourist flow. Homestay in Pakistan is not standardized or even not regularized. However, there are still many newcomers in the homestay business while owners do not understand business requirements, and the majority of them are not get training. Social media and online booking is popular channels for selling products. This study includes an assessment of community perceptions of how much the Homestay program influences the community in Skardu city, and even a discussion about the issues that Homestay operators and the community face. A cross-sectional research design with both quantitative and qualitative statistics (QUAN-QUAL Techniques) was used to examine the data. The data on a semi-structured questionnaire was collected from 30 homestay operators in the city. This research highlighted numerous characteristics of homestay growth, issues, and prospects.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the school community in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, October 2021-November 2022.

With the reopening of schools during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it was imperative to understand the role of students and education professionals in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this paper, we determined the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies in the school community in Campo Grande, the capital and most populous city of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) and evaluated its association with sex, school level, and school type. The survey was carried out in 20 public and private schools in the urban region of Campo Grande using the TR DPP® COVID-19 immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) kit from the Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Testing was carried out in three periods: from October to December 2021; from March to July 2022; and from August to November 2022. The participants were students aged 6-17 years enrolled in primary or secondary schools and professionals of different ages and roles. During the first testing period, 162 participants were seropositive for the IgM and/or IgG anti-nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with an estimated seroprevalence of 19.6% using Bayesian multilevel regression. In the second period, 251 participants were seropositive (estimated seroprevalence, 34.6%), while in the third period, 393 participants were seroconverted (estimated seroprevalence, 56.7%). In 2022, there was an increase in the seroconversion rate compared to that in 2021. The most frequently described acute manifestations in the three periods were fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. In terms of the demographic profile, there was no predominance of seropositivity between the sexes, although women represented approximately 70% of the study population. There were also no differences between students and school staff. The results made it possible to evaluate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the school community through immunity developed against the virus, in addition to providing information about COVID-19 symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults.

Does anyone care where they are from? The importance of locally trained players in English football

ABSTRACT English football originated from organizations rooted in the communities of towns and cities. Social identity theory explains how supporters feel a strong connection with their local community club. In English football, clubs and the media often reference ‘local lads’, referring to locally born players as on-field representations of the community which is considered to reinforce supporters’ connection to the club. However, whether supporters care where players come from remains under-researched. This research surveyed 661 supporters with headline findings outlining financial sustainability and winning trophies as main priorities with local player representation a minor priority. Supporters of Premier League clubs were significantly more likely to prioritize winning trophies, and significantly less likely to prioritize their clubs’ financial position compared to the lower leagues, where financial stability was a priority. Further research would develop our understanding of the perceived importance of local players in the complex global landscape of modern football support.

The neutralization antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang, Vietnam, July - August 2020

Beside molecular tests (realtime RT-PCR) which known as the golden key for SARS-CoV-2 confirmation, antibody test can be used to determine the responses in human antibody to SARS-CoV-2 and the result of plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) could identify the people who have been exposed with the SARS-CoV-2 and carried the neutralization antibody. Total 9936 samples were collected in 3 groups healthcare workers, inpatients (not related to COVID-19 before) and community in Da Nang city during July-August 2020. These cross sectional results showed that the rate of neutralization antibody in three groups in this research was 0.2%, in that, 0.1% in community, 0.2% in inpatient and 0.4% in healthcare workers. Follow-up study with 1253 paired sera of healthcare workers, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 neutralization antibody was determined as 2.1%. A downward trend of this neutralization antibody overtime has been shown in the study.

The policy failures of rental housing: Plumbing poverty in Detroit, Michigan

ABSTRACT The lack of access to in-home running water from inadequate plumbing is a critical water insecurity challenge in the U.S. Using the concept of plumbing poverty, this paper investigates why housing policies in Detroit, Michigan, have failed to ensure adequate plumbing and water security for renters using interviews with city employees, community groups, renters, and property managers. We find that unresponsive landlords enabled by historical housing mismanagement and ineffective rental ordinance design and implementation perpetuate inadequate plumbing for Detroit renters. While we identify three tools to address inadequate plumbing, several barriers prevent their use. For renters, barriers include social power dynamics, structural inequalities in the legal system, and a lack of capacity. Meanwhile, the city faces financial, personnel, and knowledge constraints that prevent adequate enforcement. Our findings provide new insight into the connections between historical housing dynamics, policy implementation, and the precarity of landlord-tenant relations in perpetuating water insecurity.

TEACHING PERFORMANCE OF ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM MOBILE TEACHERS ASSIGNED IN DAVAO CITY COMMUNITY: METHODS AND STRATEGIES IN FOCUS

This study aims to discover the teaching performance of the Alternative Learning System Teachers assigned in Davao City community whose teaching methods and strategies are in focus. This study would somehow trace the significant role of ALS teachers in the institution as they communicate knowledge in a specific subject, help students grow to the fullest, develop a proper attitude, and unfold their personality. This notion of teachers is deemed universal and consistent all over the world. This study may help to develop different pedagogies and relationships between ALS teachers and to enhance teacher’s competence; achieving school goals to teachers performance in selected ALS schools in Davao City. This may also serve as the basis for improvement. Moreover, in the Philippine context, the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers and the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers specifically mandate educators to be equipped with technical and professional competence and possess dignity and reputation with high moral values. In other words, high standards are set for ALS teachers. According to American Educational Research Association (1999) unspoken pressure for them to continually put their best foot forward and maintain a dignified image in society. The criteria for selecting participants were specified and appropriate for this case study. The primary population for this case study originated from the Alternative Learning System teachers. The participants for this study were purposefully selected because, selecting the right participants and building working relationships with them can make or break a qualitative study. KEYWORDS: teaching performance, teachers, methods, strategies, alternative learning

Die Wiederentdeckung dreier Mörserkanonen (Bombarden) aus der Waffenkammer der Stadt Hermannstadt (16. Jh.)

The invention of gunpowder in the 9th century can be seen like mankind being gifted fire for a second time. In the centuries to follow it had many practical applications, but the first ballistic usage of gunpowder is mentioned in the 13th century. Shortly after, in the 14th century, the first cannons were created. These empiric versions of artillery objects were bulky and cumbersome metal cannons called bombards. They were cast out of copper alloy such as bronze, or they were made out of iron. The focus of this paper lies on the latter and for that reason a short understanding of metallurgy was necessary. Period documents show that, in the Transylvanian city of Sibiu, there were active workshops for casting cannons since the late 14th century. Geopolitical turmoil in the 15th century forces Transylvanian cities to amass a great deal of fire weapons and arms. Further inquiry showed that in Sibiu, in the 16th century, amongst the weapons being made and kept in the city's arsenal were three mortar canons. Since a great number of the original arsenal is still in existence in the history museum of Sibiu but the collection lacks artillery pieces such as cannons, bombards or mortars, such weapons were considered to be lost throughout history. This paper aims to remediate these by giving back to the city's community its three cast iron mortar cannons.

Efforts to Increase the Capacity of Sukorejo Village, Semarang City Community in Facing Landslide Disasters Through the Preparation of Evacuation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

This study identified the problem of landslide disasters that often occur in Sukorejo Village, Gunungpati District, Semarang City. Sukorejo village belongs to the high ground movement zone which has a high degree of vulnerability to soil movement. The purpose of the study was to determine efforts to increase the capacity of the community in facing landslide disasters through the preparation of evacuation standard operating procedures (SOPs). The data collection of this study used interview, observation, documentation, and geographic information systems (GIS) methods. Data analysis is carried out with the approach of spatial analysis and qualitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the preparation of evacuation SOPs is very important to increase the capacity of the community during landslide emergency response. The recommendations given are the need to add an Early Warning System (EWS) tool, install evacuation route signs, and gathering points in landslide-prone areas. In addition, the community also needs to increase awareness and preparedness in the face of possible landslides. This research contributes to improving understanding of landslide disaster mitigation efforts and can be followed up by assessing community capacity and evaluating future evacuation SOPs.

ROLE OF TAFAL LANDSCAPE IN FORMING THE IDENTITY OF JEWS IN BALTA

The article is devoted to the study of Jewish cemeteries in the city of Balta, Podilsky district, Odesa region. Typologies of gravestones by shape, types of dec­ oration and epitaphs. The study also attempted to determine the role of the land­scape in shaping the identity of the city's Jewish community. The formation of Jewish identity and its maintenance in a multicultural en­vironment is a rather complex systemic process. It also needs detailed study as an important component of self-identification. In historiography, the topic, espe­cially at the regional and even more so at the local level, is understudied, despite the presence of various sources. Thanks to its location directly on the trade route in the border zone of the Ottoman Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Common­wealth, the city has formed a multicultural population. According to the 1897 census, Jews were the largest national minority, with their own culture, which is also reflected in the Tafal landscape. As a complex of funeral rites, it reflected the ethnic consciousness of the Jews through funeral rites, the content and style of epitaphs, and the decoration of grave monuments. Unfortunately, in the scientific literature, the study of Jewish cemeteries, es­pecially in the city of Balta, and their role as an ethno-identifying marker of the Jewish community, is at an initial stage. Therefore, the specified topic is relevant today and requires the participation of ethnologists, cultural experts, and reli­gious scholars. The purpose of the study is to determine the role of the tafal landscape of the city of Balta as a factor in the formation of the identity of the local Jewish com­munity.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Teenage Pregnancy at Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia: Facility Based Cross Section Study

Introduction: In Liberia, teenage pregnancy is a serious public health issue that causes social and economic hardship. Adolescent birth rates are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, according to statistics. There are significant differences in the prevalence of teenage pregnancy between and within nations. Most teenage pregnancies occur in places with poorer incomes and lower levels of education. The purpose of this research is to determine the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Liberia and to investigate the risk factors related to it, particularly in the Paynesville city community of Duport Road cow field block "B.".
 Methods: The research that was done using the Duport Road Clinic as a resource center provided the data for this study. Fifty girls between the ages of 15 and 19 who visited the hospital and lived in the community throughout the study period were recruited as participants. Total population sampling was used to interview all 50 of the females. A population-based cross-sectional survey is used in this quantitative study to gather data, and IBM 20.0 SPSS was used for analysis.
 Results: According to the report, 50.2% of adolescent girls between the ages of 15 and 19 had started having children at the time of the survey. Teenage pregnancy in the community was significantly correlated with age (OR = 6.9; 95% CI: 4.647, 10.366, p – value 0.001), teenagers living with their parents (OR = 1.057; p > 0.001), non-use of contraception (OR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.739, 3.683), and teenage girls who were aware of contraceptive methods (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 0.443, 18.463).
 Conclusion: In conclusion, a number of factors, including early sexual initiation, cohabitation, lack of education, and contraceptive non-use, contribute to the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Liberia. Interventions including encouraging the use of contraception, discouraging early sexual beginning, and setting up family planning clinics are advised in order to lessen its prevalence.

Improving the knowledge of the HIV/AIDS community in Surabaya city for self-detection of HIV oral manifestations

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a significant problem in Indonesia. As individuals with compromised immune systems, PLWHA are susceptible to various opportunistic infectious diseases. Awareness and specific knowledge regarding these conditions are important in facilitating prompt treatment and reduce further morbidity and complication in PLWHA. However, many PLWHA lack essential information about these conditions, describing the importance of designing and education an intervention strategy to increase PLWHA knowledge regarding the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study is to analyze the knowledge of PLWHA about the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS after virtual learning (V.L) intervention. Methods: A pre- and post-test study was conducted with 30 members of the Mahameru Foundation, a support group for PLWHA in Surabaya. The subjects participated in interactive sessions covering various manifestations of HIV/AIDS, disease etiology, attitudes towards proper treatment, and techniques for self-check screenings. Results: The subjects demonstrated increased knowledge of HIV/AIDS oral manifestations and improved skills in self-detecting oral abnormalities related to HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Educational interventions through interactive sessions and self-check screenings can enhance PLWHA's knowledge and awareness of oral health, aiding in preventing the disease's progression. This approach supports the government's objective of achieving three zeros: zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero new cases.

Beyond the metropolis: street tree communities and resident perceptions on ecosystem services in small urban centers in India

Abstract Although 41% of the global urban population lives in smaller cities, the nature and trajectories of urban nature, ecosystem services and human-nature connections in smaller centers is relatively unknown. While megacities in developed countries move towards biophilic urban planning and participatory decision making, basic information on tree communities and their perceived services is a bottleneck in achieving these goals in such small urban centers. Through a combination of field measurements (258 transects, 931 trees) and semi-structured interviews (497 individuals), we assessed the street tree community and resident perceptions of ecosystem service values in two coastal cities on the west coast of India that are under rapid change. We found that mean street tree density is low in both cities, and corresponds to perceptions of recent change in tree cover (−28% in Kochi, −11% in Panjim). The street tree community in both cities were dominated by ornamental avenue trees such as Albizia saman and Peltophorum pterocarpum, but native coastal species like Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa and Thespesia populnea were also common. Despite recent urban growth, residents in both cities reported low value of trees for food, fodder and medicine, but high value for regulating services like shade and water. Moreover, we found strong evidence for aesthetic and cultural values of trees in both cities. Our study establishes critical baselines for biophilic planning in these small urban centers towards urban sustainability in India.