One of the reasons for the changes taking place at the community, which was established in around the year 2000, was that the community leadership team has been open-minded in listening to residents' requirements and advice on improving their daily lives, said Zhang.

　　She said that the Party organization is at the grassroots level and never rejects residents' suggestions.

　　For example, residents demanded charging facilities for their non-motor vehicles. The residential complex has nearly 10,000 such vehicles, and the insufficiency forced some residents to risk installing additional wires themselves, causing potential safety hazards.

　　Last year, with resolute determination and full-scale actions, all 40 parking lots for non-motor vehicles underwent renovation, providing residents with enough parking space and safe and adequate charging facilities. Firefighting facilities were added as well.

　　“While Shanghai's efforts to build a safe and resilient city are quickly gathering pace, at the community level, safety is the bottom line and foundation of our work. Also, we must respond to the needs of the residents and gradually build mutual trust with them,“ Zhang said.

　　Residents of Shanghai Kangcheng community attend a tug-of-war event organized by the neighborhood in July 2023. [Photo provided to China Daily]

　　Another reason for the changes was that Zhang and her team tried to mobilize as many residents as possible to participate in various aspects of neighborhood governance, which is to put the concept of building urban governance community at the grassroots level, she said.