Stopping illegal dumping to reduce neighborhood violence
CE23-013 Preventing Illegal Dumping to Address Community Violence
This project tests two community-developed ways to stop illegal dumping on vacant lots to help make Flint neighborhoods safer from violent crime.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103123 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a Flint resident, you would see a randomized trial where county-owned vacant lots with repeated illegal dumping are assigned to different community-driven interventions. The study compares two approaches that combine dumping-prevention actions with resident-engaged greening and tracks changes over time. Researchers will partner with local residents and officials to implement the interventions and record outcomes like reported violent crime and neighborhood safety. The goal is to learn which approach most reduces dumping and its links to violence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Flint residents who live near county-owned vacant lots with repeated illegal dumping or community members willing to take part in resident-engaged greening activities.
Not a fit: People who live far from treated vacant lots or in areas without illegal dumping are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce violent crime and improve neighborhood safety and social connections by reducing dumping-related disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous greening projects have in some cases reduced crime and improved safety, but focused dumping-prevention approaches have not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehdipanah, Roshanak — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mehdipanah, Roshanak
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.