We help local leaders build healthy, equitable, and prosperous communities—places that improve people’s lives today and shape a more sustainable future.

Approach

We work hand-in-hand with local partners wanting to shape strong, livable communities. At the same time, we provide information, tools, resources and support to all changemakers working to build better communities today and ensure a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.

Impact

From climate change to economic prosperity, public health to housing affordability, improving how we build our communities and economies is critical to tackling several of our most pressing challenges. Building more livable communities is one of the highest leverage ways to impact people’s lives today while shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.

Latest Features

Training | Building Better Places

Develop the skills your community needs to effectively plan for growth and change.

A Seat at the Table with Beatriz Oliva Soto

A conversation about community equity and the importance of equal representation in local leadership.

Report | Place Value

How communities attract, grow, and keep jobs and talent in the Rocky Mountain West.

Recent Tools & Insights
  • Blog
Dollars & Sense: 6 Common Misconceptions About Dollar Stores
An eye-opening take on dollar stores and their impacts on local economies.
  • Economy
  • Blog
How Community Action Teams Give Real Voice to a Community
Community engagement is a huge contributor to project success. Three locals share the value of being part of Grand Junction, Colorado's Vibrant Together project.
  • Civic Health
    • |
  • Community
    • |
  • Leadership
  • Blog
5 Tips for Tackling Local Parking Debates
Cities and towns can use these principles to temper parking debates, facilitate implementation of technical solutions, and improve public perceptions of municipal government
  • Transportation
  • Interview
A Conversation with Amy Kimberly, A Creative Advocate for Community Placemaking
Carbondale, Colorado's award-winning Creative District Director, Amy Kimberly, talks about her accomplishments and vision for her community.
  • Leadership
    • |
  • Placemaking
  • Blog
How Durango’s ADU Policy Is Mitigating Their Affordable Housing Issues
Like many Colorado towns, the city of Durango struggles with affordable housing. However, an ADU policy and code update has diversified and increased their housing options.
  • Housing
  • Blog
Communities & Colleges: Creating the Connection
Three communities incorporate strategies for greater engagement with the higher education institutions that call them home.
  • Assistance
    • |
  • Placemaking
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Our Priorities

Transportation

The transportation systems we build today will shape the communities we live in tomorrow.

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Economy

We’re upending economic development to create local economies that build lasting value and improve the lives of the people that live there.

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Housing

Strong communities are built with healthy neighborhoods that have housing choices people can afford.

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Land Use

New models of development are needed to respond to the demand for places that are better connected, more walkable, and truly authentic.

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Recent Work

We work with communities and local leaders throughout the American West that are shaping more livable places.

Fraser, Colorado

Improving Safety and Multimodal Function of US Highway 40

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Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Increasing Community Connectivity in Bonners Ferry’s South Hill Neighborhood

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Eagle, Colorado

Connecting the Heart of Eagle to the Soul of the River

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VIEW ALL WORK