PlaceMatters' Role in Sustainable Communities Initiative
Here at PlaceMatters, we
are excited about
the new HUD-DOT-EPA Sustainable Communities Initiative and how closely
it aligns with our mission of creating sustainable,
vibrant communities. PlaceMatters has been working for years in communities and
regions to help create plans that are the result of sustainable choices
and reflect community visions and goals. We see an opportunity to
continue this work under the Sustainable Communities Initiative.
The Sustainable Communities Initiative will provide funding in three areas: (1) Regional Plans for Sustainable Development, (2) Detailed Execution Plans and Programs, and (3) Implementation Incentives. PlaceMatters is particularly well-suited to work on designing and implementing stakeholder-driven visioning and scenario planning processes. In addition, we have experience in creating locally-appropriate performance metrics and measuring scenarios against these metrics. Lastly, we have worked extensively to create dynamic plans that have an implementation focus.
The Sustainable Communities Initiative will provide funding in three areas: (1) Regional Plans for Sustainable Development, (2) Detailed Execution Plans and Programs, and (3) Implementation Incentives. PlaceMatters is particularly well-suited to work on designing and implementing stakeholder-driven visioning and scenario planning processes. In addition, we have experience in creating locally-appropriate performance metrics and measuring scenarios against these metrics. Lastly, we have worked extensively to create dynamic plans that have an implementation focus.
To create
stakeholder driven Regional Plans for Sustainable Development,
PlaceMatters
brings:
-
Decades of combined experience in improving decision making through designing and implementing informed, equitable and broad stakeholder engagement processes
-
A strong partnership and shared experience with Civic Results, a pioneer in creating effective regional partnerships (Denver's Metro Mayors' Caucus, emulated nationally)
-
Strong partnerships with the National Charrette Institute and other planning and civic engagement experts
-
An understanding of the appropriate high- and low-tech tools and in what contexts they should be employed
-
Cost-effective Touch Technologies for user-friendly GIS work, including mapping assets and challenges
-
Online and live brainstorming and prioritization tools through our AnyWare suite of tools (see Albany, NY project)
-
Interactive "Walkshops", multi-media campaigns (including mobile and "location aware" technologies, social media, online interactive websites) (see Albany, NY, Durango, CO, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments projects)
To assist in
developing and measuring
scenarios against locally-specific performance metrics, PlaceMatters
brings:
- On-the-ground experience in decision-support, including identifying appropriate tools for scenario analysis and effective methods of communicating scenario analysis outcomes to stakeholders
- Experience in developing locally-specific performance metrics, assessing progress against these metrics, and clearly communicating progress to stake-holders and the public (see our projects in Fort Collins, CO, Hayden, CO, Chula Vista, CA)
- Interactive websites that track progress, and demonstrate effects of additional actions on a personal, local, and regional level to improve communication and understanding (see Fort Collins, CO)
- Helping identify funding gaps
- Assisting regional teams in creating local champions for implementation
- Assessing progress toward implementation goals
