Bringing together neighbourhood residents and service organizations that support the neighbourhood and provide them with a forum to discuss issues related to the neighbourhood in which a CBA may benefit them can begin the dialogue necessary to tackle their unique challenges. Issues such as local economic development, housing, and community assets can bring people together to figure out ways to address these concerns.
In Parkdale, Toronto, residents were facing rent increases forcing them to move and the closure of local businesses. The residents organized and created an organization called the Parkdale People’s Economy, a network of over 30 community-based organizations and numerous residents. This group conducted a study that looked carefully at the issues affecting Parkdale and from this study the Parkdale CBA was created.
Step One: Pull together interested neighbourhood members and organizations that support residents of the neighbourhood to discuss the needs, concerns, and priorities affecting the neighborhood.
Step Two: Establish a neighbourhood group dedicated to making neighbourhood improvements. Any developer, investor, and policymaker involved in the community could be asked to consult with the group. The group's role would be to advocate for a CBA within construction or infrastructure projects.
Step Three: Develop clear and specific principles, targets, and requests that stakeholders strive to achieve through a CBA.