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CASE STUDY | QUALITY OF LIFE PLANNING
George Okantey declares the SAVI tool one of the most amazing resources in Greater Indianapolis . He has worked with The Polis Center on numerous occasions since the tool ’ s inception in 1995 to create information to help planners .
George Okantey , Marion County Extension Educator- Community Development , Purdue Extension
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In his role with Purdue Extension , now going on more than 16 years , Okantey addresses community needs by providing decision-making resources and expertise on planning and visioning . His focus is offering science-based and systematic learning approaches that identify enterprising opportunities . He helps assess needs , collaborates with other agencies , and implements intervention strategies . He also delivers learning experiences on leadership and civic engagement , talent development , and organizational learning and collaborates with principal decisionmakers , organizations , businesses , and schools to develop , implement , and sustain these programs .
“ So few cities and states have this type of research-based resource available to them right in their backyard ,” said Okantey about SAVI . “ The Polis Center is the first place I think of when I ’ m approached by someone needing specific information within a geographic area . SAVI has the most comprehensive , up-to-date , placebased information available . The tool not only pulls together important information that helps people see what is going on in
a broader perspective , but it creates great maps , charts , and tables that show the story . It ’ s a no-brainer .”
Okantey has used SAVI data and visualizations to show the assets of the Southeast Indianapolis community , Mid- North and presently , Maple Crossing . He finds that the data from SAVI provides critical intelligence that helps focus training programs that meet community needs . The Southeast Leadership Development Program and Mid-North Leadership Program — both supported by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation ( LISC ) — encompass topics including meeting management , team dynamics , and managing conflict effectively .
Recently , Okantey used SAVI to support efforts by committee members for the Mid-North and Midtown Quality of Life Plans , LISC , and the Great Places 2020 initiative . “ There are several quality of life neighborhood plans in the works across Indianapolis ,” he said . “ The Purdue Extension of Marion County is collaborating with LISC and the Mid-North and Midtown plans by providing vital information the organizers need as they consider the