The University of Miami School of Education and Human Development celebrates Dr. Scotney Evans, who has been awarded a $3.3 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to lead a two-year project on community ownership (CO) of housing and neighborhood assets. The project aims to strengthen the evidence base and practical applications of CO models to promote health and racial equity across the nation.
“Community ownership models are a powerful way to secure long-term housing affordability and stability,” said Dr. Evans. “They empower communities to shape their environments, build resilience, and foster both personal and community wealth.”
This initiative will produce action-oriented case studies highlighting emerging leaders, organizations, and innovative practices in diverse ecosystems. The research will focus on the policies, dynamics, relationships, and financing structures that support CO models. Dr. Evans emphasized the need for this work, stating, “The field is still in its formative stages, and we have an incredible opportunity to learn from innovation in action. By documenting these approaches, we can help scale solutions that drive racially equitable outcomes.”
A Community Advisory Board, composed of CO practitioners, local government representatives, private lenders, and community members, will guide the project. “We want this research to be grounded in the lived experiences and insights of the people who are making community ownership a reality,” said Dr. Evans. “Their expertise is invaluable in shaping our inquiries and ensuring the practical relevance of our findings.”
The project will also disseminate tools, policy recommendations, and financing strategies to help practitioners and policymakers implement and expand CO models. “Our goal is to equip leaders with actionable resources that can drive meaningful change in their communities,” Dr. Evans noted.
Dr. Evans and his team will collaborate with national partners, including Yes/And Strategies (Denver), Ground Works Consulting (Oakland), TheCaseMade (Orlando), Transform Finance (New York), and Inclusive Action for the City (Los Angeles). “This work is about building a movement,” he said. “By joining forces with incredible organizations around the country, we’re able to amplify the impact of what we’re learning.”
This ambitious project underscores the University of Miami School of Education and Human Development’s dedication to addressing critical societal challenges and fostering equity through innovative research. Congratulations to Dr. Evans and his team on this transformative endeavor!
