BACKGROUND: Florida Community Innovation (FCI) is a student-led civic tech nonprofit that empowers students and volunteers of all ages to tackle Florida’s most pressing challenges with human-centered technology. We develop innovative tools and lead impactful public outreach to connect people with trusted resources in times of need.
By collaborating with community partners, leveraging academic research, and engaging a diverse team, we create cutting-edge solutions to social issues in direct partnership with the communities we serve.
University of Florida (UF) interns play a vital role in our mission, contributing to projects like the Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT) to build technology that strengthens their communities.
GRAT PROJECT: In 2023, FCI student Rhiannon O’Donnell grew concerned about rising gentrification in Gainesville, particularly in the historic Porters Community. She learned that this gentrification was driven in part by student-focused development and new UF projects. Gentrification displaces long-term residents, raises property values, and threatens affordable housing, diversity, and local businesses.
Determined to make a difference, O’Donnell enlisted other students to start developing the Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT)—a free online resource designed to educate Gainesville residents on gentrification’s impact and why it harms historic communities. By raising awareness, GRAT aims to inspire action to protect neighborhoods like the Porters Community.
The students who have gone above and beyond to build the GRAT are Rhiannon O’Donnell, Olivia Zhang, Kelly Tran, and Maddie Kuennen. Ariana Marenco and Jaylah Grimes have also been instrumental in providing community support.
WHAT WE’RE BUILDING: Initially supported by a grant from the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, the Gentrification Risk Assessment Tool (GRAT) is designed to make data on gentrification accessible to all. Led by Rhiannon O’Donnell and a team of UF undergraduate students, GRAT is a publicly available resource hosted on FCI’s website to help residents better understand gentrification in Alachua County.
The tool officially launched on March 8, 2025 at Porters Community Farm, featuring a community dialogue and hands-on engagement. This event was supported by a grant by the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area.
Attendees joined a discussion and explored GRAT, interacting with Porters residents, city leaders, and UF affiliates. Moderated by FCI students, the conversation focused on understanding gentrification’s impact and brainstorming community-driven solutions.
The event concluded with volunteering at Porters Farm, where participants planted and harvested, giving back to the community.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Every Saturday, you’re welcome to volunteer at Porter’s Farm. Volunteering is from 9 AM to 11 AM at 518 SW 3rd St, Gainesville, FL 32601. Learn more about the Porter’s Farm on the Sliick Garden website. If you want to join us to advocate for community and against gentrification, email us at info@floridainnovation.org to join our committee and hop in to our weekly Wednesday meeting.
Most importantly, the best way to support GRAT is by educating yourself! Explore the links, below.
GRAT IN THE NEWS: