Amelia Lavallee (MRP) has been working as a Research Assistant to Professor Wayne Feiden at the Center for Resilient Metro-Regions. In November, Lavallee assisted with two public engagement events in Beverly, MA that involved the community in generating new ideas for the city's signage.
The events featured an afternoon downtown walking tour, during which city representatives and staff, small business owners, and members of the public shared their insights, perspectives, and experiences with permitting, design, and application of sign regulations across the downtown area. Attendees shared ideas and thoughts about different types of signage in the city’s main commercial area, identifying signs that they liked, disliked, and information regarding their importance or controversy in the community. In the evening, CRM and the City of Beverly hosted a forum that invited attendees to share further information and suggestions about signage in their community to attract visitors, promote small businesses, and maintain economic vitality balance with appropriate design in certain areas.
Beyond her involvement in CRM, Lavallee has worked with communities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island on both short- and long-term planning projects, plans, and ordinances.
"I firmly believe that community-informed plans are the most effective and robust, which CRM prioritizes, and is evident in the success of the projects I have assisted with as a research assistant of Professor Feiden’s for the last two semesters," said Lavallee.
"As with all projects that I have worked on with Professor Feiden and the Center for Resilient Metro Regions, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience connecting with communities to amplify their voices and provide feasible, effective solutions that make their communities more vibrant, unique, and adaptable for the future."