Cultivating social capital: an investigation on Kansas City’s vacant lots

Abstract

Social capital, a dynamic subject in academic discourse (Coleman, 1988; Putnam, 1993), is defined in contemporary literature as the “value of support that people provide for each other through their networks, norms, and sanctions, all of which serve to facilitate cooperation for mutual benefit” (Nassauer & Raskin, 2014). This concept illustrates how elements of social and civic life establish trust within a community, thereby fostering community engagement. Despite this understanding, a gap persists in both quantifying and understanding its manifestation within communities contending with urban vacancy. Research indicates that a high proportion of vacant land leads to adverse socioeconomic and ecological consequences, yet the precise impact on the social capital of a community remains elusive (Nassauers & Raskin, 2014; Sampson & Raudenbush, 2004). This study aims to investigate how social capital manifests itself within neighborhoods characterized by high vacancy rates and to devise a comprehensive design framework that not only improves social capital but enhances quality of life. This was accomplished by applying a four-part methodology to nine neighborhoods in Kansas City, Missouri that are characterized by high vacancy rates. First, a scoring system was implemented to evaluate community-level variables associated with social capital, determining which of the nine neighborhoods required intervention most urgently. Using this systematic approach, two neighborhoods were selected. Subsequently, factors influencing the feasibility of repurposing a given lot were assessed to pinpoint which lots within the chosen neighborhoods were deemed physically unsuitable for repurposing. These lots were then removed from consideration. Third, a scoring system was employed to further refine the selection of lots optimal for repurposing to leverage social capital. Lastly, a combination of consultation with city officials and precedent analysis was utilized to finalize site selection and devise a design solution framework that can be easily adapted to the vacant lots within the study area. Amid various interests influencing fund allocation decisions, this tool offers an unbiased, quantitative assessment method for neighborhoods struggling with social development, particularly those facing funding shortages amidst urban vacancy issues. It holds the potential to streamline master planning practices and efficiently address vacant lots by prioritizing repurposing efforts. By establishing a foundational design framework and providing a starting point for design interventions, this tool facilitates a more accessible and inclusive process for residents and city officials alike. Lastly, its adaptability to other locations underscores its potential as a versatile approach for addressing urban vacancy and enhancing social capital, offering a blueprint for cities worldwide.