We help local leaders build healthy, equitable, and prosperous communities to improve people’s lives today and ensure a sustainable tomorrow.

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 change-makers working to build better communities.

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 and make an impact.

Latest Features

Exploring the link between brownfields and affordable housing

Brownfields present a unique opportunity to address affordable housing challenges.

Jillian's Farewell Letter

We wish the best to our Co-Founder and Senior Director, Jillian Sutherland, as she embarks on her next career chapter.

The Roadmap to Recovery

A tool to plan for economic recovery and resiliency in the wake of COVID-19.

Recent Tools & Insights
  • Blog
Exploring the link between brownfields and affordable housing
Brownfields present a unique opportunity to address affordable housing challenges in a win-win-win scenario, where the municipality, property owner, and community all benefit.
  • Community
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  • Housing
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  • Land Use
  • Blog
Jillian's Farewell Letter
Jillian Sutherland shares a farewell to Community Builders as she takes the next step in her career.
  • Civic Health
    • |
  • Community
  • Blog
Public Engagement Is Not a One-Night Stand
We often approach our public engagement process with a “one and done” mentality. We hope these engagement insights will give you some laughs this Valentine's Day.
  • Civic Health
    • |
  • Leadership
  • Blog
A Friendly Business Guide for Outdoor Expansion
Guest writer, Cheney Bostic, explains the struggles local businesses are going through right now, and introduces her guide, "The Friendly Business Guide for Outdoor Expansion."
  • Economy
  • Blog
That Vacant Gas Station Could Be a Key to Your Recovery
With some clean up and investment, abandoned sites and buildings in your town could be economic drivers through this pandemic.
  • Economy
    • |
  • Environment
  • Blog
5 Tips for Facilitating a Virtual Workshop
When the time comes where we can engage on a more personal level we will have a whole new set of virtual tools available to add value to our work.
  • Assistance
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  • Civic Health
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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.

Breaking the Code Toolkit

A Guidebook and Tool for “Do It Yourself” Code Changes

 

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Hamilton, Montana

Safety, Connectivity, and Beautification at Hwy 93/Main St. Intersection

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West End, Colorado

Building Sustainability for Regional Entrepreneurial Support Systems

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