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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
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
October 15, 2008 | Kansas City InfoZone | Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Mo., to help develop transportation plan Citizens Will Help Decide How to Spend Tax Dollars on Transportation Projects for Next 30 Years
September 22, 2008 | Portsmouth Herald | Portsmouth, New Hampshire Portsmouth board: Pay attention to middle school process
by Adam Leech
September 19, 2008 | The Herald-Dispatch | Huntington, West Virginia Seeking a new vision for Huntington, W.V. Group seeks new vision for city
by Jean T arbett Hardiman
September 18, 2008 | Portsmouth Herald | Portsmouth, New Hampshire Getting green in Portsmouth, N.H. Go-green group wants you
by Deborah McDermott
September 10, 2008 | Chattanooga Times Free Press | Chattanooga, Tennessee Bringing change through conversation
September 9, 2008 | Nashville Business Journal | Nashville, Tennessee Public meetings set for West Nashville Community Plan
September 7, 2008 | Bloomington Pantagraph | Bloomington, Illinois Revitalizing a city is taking root West-side garden project planting seeds of renewal
by M.K. Guetersloh
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