Community Builders
Charlier Associates has been working with the Sonoran Institute on formation of a training and technical assistance program called New Mobility West (NMW). NMW is a featured program of a new non-profit organization Community Builders that provides information, research, insight and analysis for developers, realtors, planners, public officials and engaged citizens who are actively building stronger economies in the towns and cities of the American West. Charlier Associates involvement includes serving on the faculty for the Community Builders Leadership Institute (a training program) and providing direct technical assistance to local public sector partners.
Community Builders Leadership Institute
CBLI is an intensive multi-day training that helps community leaders connect economic development with smart community planning. The three-day workshop brings seven to eight teams of local leaders together in a shared setting. Each team has between six and eight participants including local elected officials, business leaders, senior local government staff and development professionals. We provide scholarships to most individuals allowing them to participate free of charge, and accommodating their room and board. Our goal is to provide a training opportunity for community leaders in each of the four states about once a year. More information. CBLI Institutes held so far have included: Glenwood Springs, Colorado. January, 2014. Gunnison County City of Montrose Town of Gypsum City of Delta Town of Eagle Town of Dillon Town of Ridgway Boise, Idaho. November, 2014. Bonner County City of Cascade Cities of Coeur dAlene and Post Falls City of Kimberly Lemhi County City of Sandpoint City of Twin Falls Wood River Valley Bozeman, Montana. May, 2015. City of Billings City of Butte Dawson County Gallatin County City of Glasgow City of Kalispell City of Missoula Seeley Lake/Missoula County City of Sidney/Richland County Lander, Wyoming. October, 2015. Town of Jackson City of Sheridan City of Laramie City of Lander City of Casper City of GilletteNew Mobility West Technical Assistance Program
NMW provides direct technical assistance to communities across the Rocky Mountain West to address specific challenges or opportunities at the nexus of transportation and community development. Applications can come from municipal or county governments, downtown development authorities, urban renewal authorities or non-profit organizations. However, strong partnerships are essential for moving a project forward. This is why in addition to a project narrative, it is required that applicants submit letters of support from project partners and key stakeholders. Applications can only come from Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Because NMW aims to bring resources to underserved communities across the region, preference will be given to projects from rural towns and medium-sized cities and regions, up to 100,000 in population. However, applications from larger communities will be considered. More Information. Through early 2016 Charlier Associates has provided technical assistance to the following communities (click for project details): Bonners Ferry, Idaho. October, 2014 Grand Junction, Colorado. April, 2015 Quad Cities/Bonner County, Idaho. December, 2015