Community Voices Shape Roadmap for the Far Eastside’s Future
Built by residents, for residents, the Far Eastside Quality of Life Plan lays out a shared vision for the community’s future. Here’s how local voices came together to create a roadmap for lasting change.
Writer: Dennis Jarrett
After more than a year of research, conversations, surveys and neighborhood engagement, the Far Eastside Quality of Life Plan has emerged as more than just a document. Community leaders say it is a blueprint created by residents themselves to guide investment, strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life for generations to come.
At the center of the planning process was Ubuntu Planning Studio, led by founder and CEO Britt Redd, who partnered with Rokh Research and Design Studio to secure support from LISC Indianapolis to develop the plan.
Redd says the work resonated with her on a personal level. “I grew up on the Far Eastside,” she said. “Seeing the changes that have happened from the 1990s to today and having the opportunity to work alongside neighbors who were so passionate and organized and ready to create lasting change was really exciting.”
According to Redd, neighborhood leaders had advocated for a quality-of-life plan for years. When funding became available, Ubuntu submitted a proposal that aligned with the vision residents already had for their community.
The assignment involved gathering data and creating meaningful opportunities for residents to shape the future. Through surveys, research and community meetings, several themes emerged.
One of the biggest surprises was the area’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people in the community having faith in themselves and others to start businesses and grassroots initiatives,” Redd said. “More often than not, people are becoming entrepreneurs because they are creating opportunities when high-quality jobs are not available.”
Researchers also discovered a strong desire for deeper connections among residents. “People time and time again said they wanted more opportunities to know their neighbors and more places where they could gather,” Redd said. Unlike many planning efforts driven by consultants, Redd emphasized that this process was community-driven from the beginning. “I wouldn’t even use the word involvement,” she said. “The community has been leading the table. They decided who the consultants should be and how the community should be engaged.”
“Having this blueprint was an important step, but in order for life to truly improve on the Far Eastside, the work has to be done.”
— Britt Redd
Residents also challenged planners to make the process accessible and understandable instead of overly technical. The final plan identifies several focus areas aimed at strengthening the Far Eastside. Among them are growing small businesses and the local economy, building multi-generational leadership, increasing community connections and establishing clear measurements for success.
“This is a blueprint for how efforts should be directed on the Far Eastside,” Redd explained. “It’s about making sure people aren’t just doing things, but that they’re actually making a difference.”
The plan includes metrics to evaluate progress, such as reducing vacancy rates and increasing household income. More importantly, Redd believes it creates a shared vision among organizations and residents already working to improve the community.
With the plan completed, the work is just beginning. Implementation efforts are being coordinated through the Far Eastside Community Council, which is organizing action teams around each focus area. Residents are encouraged to participate based on their interests and expertise. “Having this blueprint was an important step,” Redd said. “But in order for life to truly improve on the Far Eastside, the work has to be done.”
She hopes residents recognize the unique opportunity before them. “This is all about the neighbors,” she said. “Not every community has this opportunity. People can truly shape what’s around them.”
The complete Far Eastside Quality of Life Plan is available to the public at feccindy.org/qol. Spanish and Haitian Creole versions are also being finalized to ensure greater accessibility.
For Redd, the document’s greatest value may be that it reflects the hopes and priorities of the people who call the Far Eastside home. “The community has a shared vision for a better future,” she said. “Now the work begins.”
Local residents have expressed excitement about the upgrades, especially in areas where parks have not seen major improvements in decades. Community leaders believe the renovations could encourage more outdoor activity, provide safer spaces for children, and create stronger connections between neighborhoods. Several volunteer organizations have already stepped forward to assist with future cleanup and beautification efforts.
The city also plans to host a series of public events once the renovations are complete, including outdoor movie nights, fitness classes, and seasonal festivals. Officials hope the investment will not only improve the appearance of local parks but also create welcoming spaces where residents of all ages can gather and build a stronger sense of community.
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