Community-led Development

PODER Emma believes that the future of the neighborhood should be designed and led by people who live here! In order to support community members’ ability to participate actively in leadership, we are also dedicated to supporting each other as neighbors to ensure that our basic needs are met.

1. PODER EMMA’s membership program:

This is open to all residents of the Emma neighborhood and the surrounding Erwin School District.  Our membership program is designed to build trusting relationships and an engaged community.  PODER Emma’s Community Outreach Team visits members to distribute mobile home safety materials, including motion detector lights, anti-theft plates, and heat tape.  The outreach team also visits members regularly to share important information and dialogue about community priorities.  Members may also participate in our bulk buying cooperative, which makes organic traditional foods available at an accessible price. 

2. Neighborhood Council and Plan:

The Neighborhood Council works to make sure that community voices are heard when important decisions are made that affect our community, including planning, zoning, and new development.  The Council also stewards the Neighborhood Planning process and implementation of the Emma Community Plan, to ensure that local government, institutions, and agencies work in alignment with our community’s vision for the future.  In 2018 the first plan was finalized to identify community-based strategies to prevent displacement, and in 2023 we finalized a new Emma Community Plan that focuses on policy and community strategies.

3. COMMUNITY EVENTS

PODER Emma organizes community events, including seasonal monthly flea markets, movie nights, and a neighborhood festival, to promote relationships building amongst neighbors and to create spaces for families to enjoy.