Building Communities with AssetMappr

When we think about community development, we often picture dedicated individuals working tirelessly to bring about change. But what happens when those individuals lack the tools to document their needs and assets in real-time? That's where AssetMappr comes in—a web-based tool developed by a team of Heinz College students under the guidance of professors Marty Barrett and Rick Stafford. The project, rooted in the values of community collaboration and empowerment, is part of a broader effort to address the unique challenges faced by smaller, often overlooked communities.

AssetMappr aims to give communities the ability to document their assets and needs in real-time, making it easier to apply for the federal and state funding essential for infrastructure improvements. Communities like Uniontown and Monongahela in Southwestern Pennsylvania have already piloted the tool. Monongahela, once a thriving riverfront destination, now faces the challenges of an aging population and limited resources. This tool could be their bridge to a better future, allowing residents to take ownership of their development process.

The Inspiration Behind AssetMappr

For Rick Stafford, the inspiration for AssetMappr is deeply personal. Having grown up in Appalachia, a region currently struggling with the decline of its coal and steel industries, Stafford witnessed firsthand the consequences of technological and environmental changes on once-thriving communities. "I wanted to find a way for universities like Carnegie Mellon to engage with these regions and help them rebuild," he explained. "Universities benefit from strong communities, and in return, strong communities benefit from engaged universities."

Stafford’s journey led him to develop a unique elective course at CMU, Communities Left Behind. The course takes students into the heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania, where they meet local leaders and observe the infrastructure challenges faced by small towns. One thing became clear—these communities lacked both the resources and capacity to gather the data needed to build a case for federal and state funding. AssetMappr was born out of this gap, designed to give communities the technical capacity to document their assets and prepare for the competitive grant process.

A Collaborative Student Effort

AssetMappr is a true testament to student innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The project was first conceived in a coding class taught by Marty Gaynor, with five Heinz College students taking the reins and developing the tool’s first iteration. As the project evolved, more than 20 students have contributed over several semesters, each playing a crucial role in shaping the tool’s functionality.

"Students brought diverse skill sets to the table, from coding and community engagement to policy analysis," Stafford noted. "They worked closely with the communities to understand their needs, gather feedback, and continuously improve the app."

The project has also garnered support from the Block Center for Technology and Society, which provided seed funding for the initial development stages. This support has been instrumental in moving the tool from concept to reality, allowing for pilot tests in communities like Uniontown and Monongahela.

Looking Ahead

As federal initiatives like President Biden's infrastructure bill continue to prioritize community input in grant applications, AssetMappr is poised to make a significant impact. Stafford sees the tool as a key player in ongoing infrastructure and economic development efforts, particularly as fossil fuel industries continue to diminish in the region. "The future is in new business startups and job creation," he explained. "And for communities to get there, they need tools like AssetMappr to help them plan and document their assets."

With more state programs and infrastructure money on the horizon, the team behind AssetMappr is optimistic about the tool’s potential to support communities in need. As Stafford puts it, "It's not just about creating technology. It's about giving these communities a voice in their own development and helping them get the votes and funding they need to thrive."

By continuing to empower communities to document their assets and needs in real-time, AssetMappr is building a pathway toward more informed and inclusive community investment. And in doing so, it’s contributing to a brighter future for regions that have been left behind for too long.