What It Takes Navigating the Challenges of Joint Use
By Rebecca Baran-Rees
Research Specialist
Department of City and Regional Planning,
Cornell University
Lydia Morken
Research Specialist
Department of City and Regional Planning,
Cornell University
Communities are seeking new ways to help stretch lean budgets and meet changing resident needs. Joint use agreements allow cities and school districts to find practical and programmatic synergies by maximizing use of school buildings, athletic fields, parks, libraries and other often under-utilized community assets. Facility and program sharing programs enhance districts’ effectiveness in meeting the needs of children and the broader community.
While promising all manner of benefits, joint use arrangements require careful planning and execution to succeed. Even simple ideas may not be simple to implement. Partners who undertake joint use for the first time will likely face some “growing pains” as they learn to work together in a new way. It can be done, however, and the rewards are worth the effort.