Preservation Maryland

Asset Mapping: Community-based Planning in Support of Revitalization

05/05/2022
By Preservation Maryland

In the world of historic preservation, the practice of asset mapping makes a regular appearance. Asset mapping is a process through which information and input is gathered regarding a location’s current and potential assets – be it people, neighborhood features, structures, organizations, or even customs – to examine how they may be harnessed for the benefit of those building their lives there.

A tool for preservation

Consequently, it can be a powerful preservation tool as it allows for collaborative, community-based planning in support of neighborhood revitalization that not only protects history and heritage but also examines how to utilize such tangible and intangible resources to empower community members.

With this very goal in mind, Preservation Maryland began an asset mapping project last fall in Hagerstown’s historic Johnathan Street neighborhood to hear from community leaders and residents on what they value about their community, as well as ideas for shaping their neighborhood into a place that is desirable to live and work in and reflects their shared sense of place.

conversations with the community

Working with Neighborhood Design Center, a nonprofit that facilitates the development of healthy, equitable neighborhoods through community-engaged design and planning services, Preservation Maryland has since had the opportunity to hear directly from residents, leadership at community organizations, and local congregations, as well as City staff in the economic development, housing, and planning departments and City Council representatives from the neighborhood.

In between outreach efforts, our project consultant has collected research and data to add to the information and stories gathered during each of the interviews to craft a final report and maps that may be used as resources by community members, leaders, and advocates in their pursuit of neighborhood investment and support.

our work is not finished yet

For those unable to join or more comfortable submitting thoughts online, please consider completing a short survey that may be accessed here. Every bit of input makes a difference!