There are a variety of models for community development that are reasonably accessible. Renovating large houses for cooperative housing with a combination of private suites and shared common space is one model that has growing potential. Another model is developing small pieces of land with small houses and a shared common building. The key is to do small manageable projects and to incorporate tools to facilitate relational harmony.
We have lived in both models and are currently developing new projects – you can find more info here. I also love working with others that are exploring community development. The following outline indicates the components and process that we use in our own projects and in working with others. Contact me for more information.
A. Nurturing a Collaborative Culture
- Establish clear personal and collaborative awareness and intention at the foundation of community building
- Incorporate conscious communication practices for nurturing relational connection
- Use a collaborative process for designing collective alignment of values, needs, and expectations
- Implement processes and tools for participatory decision making and conflict management
B. Designing Collaborative Legal & Governance Structures
- Choose and combine legal structures that support relational intention
- Design organizational structures & agreements that support a collaborative culture
C. Strategic Planning for Collaborative Community Design
- Establish a foundational vision and mission
- Use collaborative tools for designing objectives & strategy
D. Real Estate Development
- Clarify your development goals
- Understand the design/build process
- Establish due diligence requirements
- Form a collaborative team
- Consider green building and permaculture principles
- Establish design parameters
- Explore financing alternatives
- Plan the project thoroughly
- Select appropriate materials and suppliers
- Establish a project management system
