The Trumbull County Brownfield Coalition takes an innovative and creative approach to education and outreach. There is nothing sexy and glamorous about brownfields. Brownfields are ugly, tedious, and boring. In order to help sell “ugly”, the Coalition recognizes educating the locals and rallying knowledgeable supporters in the form of a grassroots effort is a key part of successful brownfield redevelopment. As such, the coalition set aside money from their U.S. EPA Assessment Grant to allocate “mini grants” to partner organizations to assist in education and outreach.
Commercial Real Estate Agents
With the help of the Mahoning Valley Real Estate Investment Association (MVREIA) and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce, brownfields will be the focus of a Commercial Real Estate Round Table. Todd Davis, author of Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redevelopment will teach commercial real estate agents everything they need to know to help “sell ugly.”
Social Media
Through social media, the Coalition is able reach out to the residents of Trumbull County as well as local groups and stakeholders. The Coalition’s social media page is a first of its kind education resource.
Campaign Features:
1. Facebook – A coalition page was created with the following components:
a. Posts – regular posts to the Facebook page provide a steady and structured flow of information on the Coalition’s work and on brownfields in general. Each week features two to three posts about brownfields and the Coalition’s partner organizations. Posts include graphics, photos, and links.
b. Shares – Sharing posts from the Coalition’s partners’ Facebook pages is a great way to unify the online community and provide a broader resource of information.
c. Direct Message/Response – It is vital to use the Facebook page for direct interaction with followers. This includes responding to comments on posts and direct messages in a timely and professional manner.
2. Instagram – An Instagram account was created to capitalize on the popularity of photographing blighted urban industrial sites.
Local Artists
With the help of the Trumbull Art Gallery and local artists, the Coalition is working to develop an art exhibit on Trumbull County’s brownfields. The Coalition hopes to combine unexpected partnerships with an innovative educational approach to leverage new advocates for brownfield redevelopment as well as raise awareness about the importance of reinvesting in the urban core.
Neighborhood Organizations
With the help of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, a local 501(c)(3), the Trumbull County Brownfield Coalition reaches out to the residents of Trumbull County to educate them on brownfield redevelopment at monthly neighborhood meetings.
Commercial Real Estate Agents
With the help of the Mahoning Valley Real Estate Investment Association (MVREIA) and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce, brownfields will be the focus of a Commercial Real Estate Round Table. Todd Davis, author of Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redevelopment will teach commercial real estate agents everything they need to know to help “sell ugly.”
Social Media
Through social media, the Coalition is able reach out to the residents of Trumbull County as well as local groups and stakeholders. The Coalition’s social media page is a first of its kind education resource.
Campaign Features:
1. Facebook – A coalition page was created with the following components:
a. Posts – regular posts to the Facebook page provide a steady and structured flow of information on the Coalition’s work and on brownfields in general. Each week features two to three posts about brownfields and the Coalition’s partner organizations. Posts include graphics, photos, and links.
b. Shares – Sharing posts from the Coalition’s partners’ Facebook pages is a great way to unify the online community and provide a broader resource of information.
c. Direct Message/Response – It is vital to use the Facebook page for direct interaction with followers. This includes responding to comments on posts and direct messages in a timely and professional manner.
2. Instagram – An Instagram account was created to capitalize on the popularity of photographing blighted urban industrial sites.
Local Artists
With the help of the Trumbull Art Gallery and local artists, the Coalition is working to develop an art exhibit on Trumbull County’s brownfields. The Coalition hopes to combine unexpected partnerships with an innovative educational approach to leverage new advocates for brownfield redevelopment as well as raise awareness about the importance of reinvesting in the urban core.
Neighborhood Organizations
With the help of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, a local 501(c)(3), the Trumbull County Brownfield Coalition reaches out to the residents of Trumbull County to educate them on brownfield redevelopment at monthly neighborhood meetings.