An assessment of the collaborations among the Center City Coordination (C3) Project and its community partners in Binghamton, New York

In the Fall of 2004 I began my practicum with the Center City Coordination Project (C3) in Binghamton, NY. The project is mainly funded by a grant received by Binghamton University and is intended to address the needs of Binghamton residents living in the downtown area. The project also focuses on coordinating existing services by various community partners including education providers, non-profit organizations, government agencies, resident associations and businesses.; This study focuses on the collaborations formed among the community partners within C3. Eighteen C3 partners were chosen for this study and include a diverse group of representatives in the fields of workforce development, healthcare, education, community development, youth services, housing and business development. The eighteen organizations were sent a survey in July 2005 called the Wilder Collaboration Factors Inventory asking their opinions on the collaborations formed within C3. In addition, participants were asked to engage in a follow up interview focusing on their perceptions of the strengths and challenges associated with the C3 community collaborations. The data was then assessed in a collective manner.; Particular topic areas that were commonly discussed were the strengthened relationships between the university and community, the enthusiasm for resident participation and the ongoing commitment and passion of those involved to help the residents of Binghamton and revitalize the downtown.