Community Builders | The American West is growing – fast. Let's make sure that growth works for us.

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

When Small Towns Take the Main Stage

Live music venues can serve as a vivacious cultural hub for their communities.

Missing Middle in the Burbs

A closer look at missing middle housing in unexpected places.

Report | Place Value

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

Recent Tools & Insights

Blog

When Small Towns Take the Main Stage: 5 Tips on Turning Your Community into a Vibrant Music Hub

Live music venues in small cities and rural towns can serve as a vivacious cultural hub for their communities.

Community
Economy
Land Use

Interview

A Seat at the Table with Beatriz Oliva Soto

Local leader, Beatriz Oliva Soto, talks about community equity and the importance of equal representation in local leadership.

Civic Health
Environment
Equity
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

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

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.