1. The Elephant in the Borderlands
A Case Study in small ‘d’ democracy
Community Matters ‘10
October 8, 2010 - Denver

2. What is the Borderlands Region?

3. What is the Village Pilot?
• Professional assistance to planning for
village-style growth
• 12 towns responded to RFP, 2 selected
• Three Phases:
• Heart and Soul”
• Baseline Assessment and Inventory
• Implementation

4. Success! (At least it feels like it)
 Decision-makers now support changes in
town planning and zoning to support new or
revitalizes villages.
 No one is opposed (yet)! Hundreds of
engaged citizens.
 We’ve got maps!

5. Is that a trunk or a leg?
 Who makes decisions around here?
 Does anyone care?
 What is a village anyways?
 Can we get along?

6. How did we “key out” the elephant?
 “Went slow to go fast”
 All stakeholders encouraged- economic
development especially
 Worked on the town’s terms, and in the right
towns
 Direct mail works!
 Terrific professional engagement –
Chip Game and Discovery Process

7. THANK YOU!