Monrovia, California

Neighborhood Treasures

Problem

Fractured identity and "decline stories" sap motivation. People don't see themselves (or each other) in the town's story.

Solution

Neighborhood Treasures is a City of Monrovia program, run with the Monrovia Area Partnership and the Art in Public Places Committee, that installs artist-made medallions or plaques honoring historically significant Monrovians at neighborhood sites tied to each honoree, unveiled at block parties. Installations between 2018 and 2022 honored Allen Allensworth, Kate Wright, Bettie Mae Scott, the Japanese American pioneers of Monrovia, Leroy Criss and Almera Romney; the program won ICMA's 2021 Community Equity and Inclusion Award.

Patterns used: Shared Cultural Story

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