Revitalize Phoenix

The City of Phoenix, like most major metropolitan areas, is faced with the issue of the growing number of abandoned buildings. Since the recent economic crisis, many buildings which used to hold thriving businesses downtown are now left abandoned, and pose a risk to community safety, lower surrounding property values, and are more generally an eyesore. I would like to start a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich communities by providing the necessary support and materials to groups of people that would like to convert abandoned buildings in to sustainable collectives. When I say collectives, I mean organizations that focus less on turning a profit, and more on creating positive change in that community. Whether the building holds a new coffee shop, art gallery, music performance space, or similar business, the focus will instead be on providing leadership opportunities for local at-risk youth and creating new destinations for those interested in the arts.