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Smart Talk for Growing Communities

Too often, public officials wait to involve the public in decisions about their community's growth until a crisis develops over issues like new roads, shopping centers, or housing developments. But what if public officials found a way to tap the wisdom and energy of citizens before divisive controversies arise?

Dialogue-to-change programs help people build the trusting relationships necessary for long-term change. People from diverse backgrounds and experiences develop trust, understand each other's experiences, and work together on solutions.

Read profiles of programs addressing growth and sprawl in their communities

Success Stories

Planning a better community for all

Once known as an agricultural center in the state, Putnam County, Ga., is now a community feeling the effects of regional growth. This year, long-time residents and new-comers come together to help shape the future of the community. Read more

Experience is the best teacher

Bert Cohen, Skye Maher, and Zelita Morgan, all of whom participated in a round of study circles held by Portsmouth Listens, worked to introduce the idea of a sustainability framework to Portsmouth’s master plan. “It really shows the power of the study circle process,” says Jim Noucas, Portsmouth Listens co-chair. Read more

Kuna, Idaho: Where a community pulls together to face growth

Kuna faces many questions these days. Often, the answers—or at least a sense of direction on how to tackle ongoing issues—come through Kuna ACT (the Alliance for a Cohesive Community Team). Launched in the late 1990s, Kuna ACT is one of the oldest ongoing community-based study circle programs in the country. Read more

News Articles
May 3, 2009 | Seacoastonline.com | Portsmouth, New Hampshire Helping a town go green Communicategreen: Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative
by Christopher Peake
March 6, 2009 | The Gazette | Colorado Springs, Colorado Dream City 2020: Springs should tap its wonders, find its identity
by STEVEN POPE
February 24, 2009 | Colorado Springs Gazette | Colorado Springs, Colorado Dream City 2020 hopes to help the city realize its potential
by Bill Reed
February 16, 2009 | The Gazette | Colorado Springs, Colorado Colorado Springs, Colo., looking into the future DREAM CITY 2020: Colorado Springs harvests wind, sun
by James Ciletti
January 14, 2009 | Portsmouth Herald | Portsmouth, New Hampshire Local 'green' movement will pay off
January 11, 2009 | Portsmouth Herald | Portsmouth, New Hampshire Excitement grows at sustainability event
by Gina Carbone
January 8, 2009 | Portsmouth Herald | Portsmouth, New Hampshire A time of challenge and opportunity in Portsmouth, N.H. Portsmouth Sustainability Initiative 'winter gathering' on Jan. 10
by Deborah McDermott
November 12, 2008 | Peninsula Daily News | Port Townsend, Washington Port Townsend stadium a field of needs
by Jeff Chew
November 5, 2008 | The Emporia Gazette | Council Grove, Kansas Town's future to emerge from conversations Morris County asks public to help with strategic plan
October 23, 2008 | The Herald-Dispatch | Huntington, West Virginia Create Huntington seeks input, ideas for improving city
by Bruce Decker, Opinion
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