Each one possesses a unique combination of cultures, landscapes, traditions, values and people – their heart and soul.
In connections.
Community is about economy and education, politics and place making, health care and happiness.
Quality of place affects quality of life.
We must protect and enhance our buildings and ridgelines, streetscapes and landscapes, while also adapting to growth and change.
When a community’s spirit is strong, so is its economy, its social capital and its culture.
Community strength must be another bottom line: every decision, policy and action should be evaluated for its impact.
All voices should be heard.
Youth and seniors and minorities, old timers and newcomers, rich and poor, tradesmen and professionals, the influential and the forgotten.
In deep democracy that carries rights and responsibilities.
No voice matters more than any other. Every person has something to contribute and an obligation to offer it.
Communities that know themselves can unite.
When a community takes the time to get to know itself, it will gain a sense of identity and purpose that unite people in protecting and strengthening what matters.
Communities are a collaborative enterprise.
We need the participation and commitment of as many diverse people and organizations as possible to create lasting, positive change.
Change is inevitable.
To deny or delay it is defeatist and ultimately destructive. But we do not need to sacrifice our communities’ souls in order to grow and change.
