Over the past century, there has been an increased interest in revitalizing urban environments and communities. Revitalization is defined as the act of “giv[ing] new life or vigor to [something]” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Because of the lack of specificity of the above mentioned definition, individuals, groups, and organizations who have researched or undertaken a project related to revitalization have interpreted the end goal of urban revitalization differently. As a result, some initiatives have focused on the goal of stimulating the economy through tourism; others have sought to make cities more environmentally sustainable; still others have aimed to uplift communities out of poverty.

 For the purpose of this study, the primary emphasis of urban revitalization will be the alleviation of poverty and increasing opportunity among disadvantaged communities. The student will conduct secondary data analysis to explore the issue of urban poverty, consider the proposed Mondawmin model in Baltimore, Maryland, and examine the applicability of the model to other urban areas. Ultimately the primary objective of this research project is to investigate a collaborative, non-governmental approach to revitalizing impoverished urban communities.