New Haven Independent

May 30, 2006

Last weekend, two of my best friends got married in New York City. At the reception, I was doing the normal small talk thing—telling total strangers my life history in 20 seconds or less—when I finally got a truly interested bite. A work colleague of the groom found out that I live in New Haven. He asked what I thought of my new town. I told him the truth—I really love it. The fantastic art, the mouth-watering restaurants, the diversity, the parks. He could barely contain his disbelief. “Really?”

I hate to admit it, but even I’m still a little surprised by my answer. Before my move in September, I’d heard mostly lukewarm things about the city. Very industrial. Not a lot of green. And a place known for its crime. That last line I heard a lot.

So tonight at class, with a session on public safety, I expected the New Haven police chief, Francisco Ortiz, to be peppered with uncomfortable questions. Even though I’d never felt unsafe in the city, I’d still heard lots of talk. I’d heard the rumblings about disruptive “bike gangs.” I’d talked with friends about the spate of muggings at Yale. I’d read the stories of nearby neighborhood shootings. I cringed at the number of raised hands in tonight’s class.

“I just want to thank you for your work in Fair Haven. It’s been incredible.” “I want to let you know how wonderful our community officer has been.” “I have our local officer on speed dial. He’s the best. Thank you.”

Tonight my classmates didn’t want to complain; they wanted to say thank you. They wanted to tell the New Haven police department that they appreciate their hard work. Even I got goose bumps listening to the officers’ talk. Crime has been cut by 50 percent over the last 10 years—roughly 10,000 fewer crimes a year. Cops patrol the city on bikes, horses, with dogs and with sneakers. Public education programs abound—internet education for kids and adults, “watch your car” programs, citizen’s academy, home and business security checks, 275 block watches. Our cops work hard. And their work seems to be producing encouraging results.

So why are New Haven folks the only people who seem to realize this? Why do people always look shocked when I say I love my new home?

People often blame the press. In fact, a classmate asked about that tonight. But the media’s not to blame, said Chief Ortiz. In fact, he loves lots of press. He wants to be part of the daily conversation. He encourages people to talk about the good and the bad in New Haven—that means they’re engaged.

So maybe the answer lies in a conversation I had about jazz. Earlier this week, I was interviewing Barbara Lamb, the city’s director of cultural affairs, about the upcoming 25th anniversary jazz festival. We got talking about marketing. She said that the festival isn’t just about promoting great jazz; it’s about promoting the Elm City.

I think that’s the key. New Haven has to work harder at selling itself. Not enough people outside of the city seem to know the virtues of this place. Organizations need to understand that promoting their individual event is great, but promoting the overall city is even better. If people love the jazz festival, but aren’t big fans of New Haven, they’re probably not going to come.

Don’t get me wrong; people are definitely catching on. Our office (at the Arts Council) works closely with Market New Haven, and they’ve figured this out to a tee. Everywhere they go, they encourage businesses to cover their materials with the New Haven brand—“New Haven: It All Happens Here.” They just held a press launch in New York City to showcase the fantastic festivals, museums, food and tunes that thrive in our corner of Connecticut. They get that there’s still a greater story to tell about New Haven.

Last weekend, at the wedding, I managed to convince at least one listener about my great new New Haven home. Here’s hoping 125,000 realize they should all be doing the same…

(To read the previous installments of Kara Arsenault’s Democracy School diary, click here, here, here and here.)