Facilitation of social development: Evaluating the socio-cultural effects of facilitation offices in the marginal neighborhoods of Tabriz (Case study: Facilitation office of Malazinal neighborhood)

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the social effects of facilitation offices in the marginal neighborhood of Malazinal in the Metropolis of Tabriz city. To do this, the 9-Step social impact assessment model proposed by Rabel Barge was used which is considered the first experience at the national level. The social impact assessment tool in this research were the data obtained from the documents and reports of the Facilitation Office, semi-structured interviews with experts and specialists as well as residents of the neighborhood, and field observations (including the street opening, construction of flyovers, parks, changing the sewer valves, water network replacement, etc.) and the other projects carried out in different parts of the neighborhood. The overall investigations and findings of this research show that despite the ethnic attitudes dominating the neighborhood as an inhibiting factor, the actions of the Malazinal Facilitation and Local Development Office were able to help the residents of the neighborhood and the studied community to contribute making the decisions in the form of circles and meetings of the local facilitation and development office. It played an important role in the advancement of projects. By increasing the social capital through individual and institutional trust building, increasing social solidarity, and facilitating social relations and social participation with an emphasis on networking, capacity building, education, and informing the people, as well as empowering the residents, the development was paved in this marginal neighborhood. Carrying out the necessary interventions overcome the obstacles preventing the development and empowerment of local communities requires sufficient time and budget, as well as the cooperation and synergy of the whole institutions, organizations, and socially active partners in this field.