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Communities in Caguas have implemented various initiatives such as solar-powered rural aqueducts and water purification systems, community gardens, and landscaping projects through a cooperative model of community self-management in partnership with Mayor William Miranda Torres’ municipal administration.
“Our strong commitment to the community self-management model has empowered neighborhoods to take the lead in generating solutions and making decisions that affect their surroundings,” said Miranda Torres. “This model promotes citizen engagement, sustainable development, and resilience within communities.”
The mayor pointed out that during the last fiscal year, $545,452.49 was designated for communities and rural aqueducts. These funds were part of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSLFRF), which was sanctioned under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
In the initial funding phase, 52 community organizations received a total of $104,000 in support. In the subsequent phase, 60 organizations were awarded $150,000. Ten rural aqueducts obtained $291,452.49. Additionally, the municipality allocated $175,137.53 through the Citizen Participation Fund Program, aimed at purchasing equipment for community centers, recreational spaces, and beautification efforts, fostering a safer and more functional environment for residents.
Highlighted projects illustrating the success of the self-management model include the organized community of the San Salvador neighborhood, which features initiatives such as an ecological garden, the agricultural market De La Finca a tu Puerta, a solar-powered water purification system, and the Resilience Center.
Additionally, the Caguas Norte II community initiated the pilot project Ornato en tu Comunidad, where they take charge of cleaning gutters, maintaining areas around stormwater systems, and managing pet waste disposal, among other tasks.
Other communities, including Buenos Aires Revive, La Unión, and Santa Juana, have equally undertaken projects to enhance and upkeep shared green spaces, showcasing the beneficial effects of community organization. These accomplishments were showcased at the first Community Self-Management Congress, held last Friday at the Caguas Fine Arts Center. The event gathered community leaders and field experts to exchange experiences and insights that bolster this specific model of participatory governance.
The congress featured sessions on youth entrepreneurship, the future of self-management, technology and community security, as well as the empowerment of community leaders. Participants also got the chance to explore a virtual gallery showcasing successful community initiatives.
