Tools

This section includes a blend of Processes, Methods, Activities, and Software/Web Tools designed to help communities make smart growth decisions.

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  • Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

    Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a community process and methodology focused on positive change and identifying community assets. AI can be adapted for use in a wide range of community events, projects, and long-term planning processes.

    Tool Type:
    Comprehensive Process
    Keyword(s):
    asset mapping,
    assets,
    process,
    visioning

  • Asset Mapping

    Asset mapping is a positive, realistic and inclusive tool for mobilizing community resources. It is the process by which the assets of a community and the capabilities of its constituent pieces are inventoried.

    Tool Type:
    Comprehensive Process
    Keyword(s):
    assets,
    community resources,
    heritage approach,
    storytelling approach,
    whole assets approach

  • Big Box Evaluator

    Big Box Evaluator is a web-based, interactive resource for citizens and government officials who want to know more about the potential positive and negative impacts of “big box” retail stores on local communities.

    Tool Type:
    Software/Web Tool
    Keyword(s):
    analysis,
    commercial development,
    community character,
    data collection,
    growth scenario,
    scenario planning,
    web tool

  • Box City

    Using the Box City curriculum, participants construct buildings and cities out of boxes to learning about planning and land use or explore what they want for their town.

    Tool Type:
    Activity
    Keyword(s):
    architecture,
    buildings,
    curriculum,
    education,
    infrastructure,
    kids,
    planning

  • Capacity Inventory

    A Capacity Inventory stems from the philosophy that the strength and character of communities are built on the individual capacities of community members. These Inventories identify the talents, assets, and resources available within them.

    Tool Type:
    Activity
    Keyword(s):
    capacity building,
    community character,
    community strength,
    inventory

  • Character Impact Assessment

    Pioneered in Snoqualmie, WA, the Character Impact Assessment process is used to assess the potential impact of development proposals on community character.

    Tool Type:
    Comprehensive Process
    Keyword(s):
    community character,
    environmental impact statement,
    real estate development,
    scoping

  • CITYgreen

    A Geographic Information System (GIS) software program for mapping, measuring, and analyzing the storm water, summer energy savings, carbon storage and sequestration, air quality, and wildlife of urban ecosystems.

    Tool Type:
    Software/Web Tool
    Keyword(s):
    conservation/natural resources,
    ecology,
    esri,
    green design,
    mapping tool,
    software,
    technology tool

  • Civic Index

    A civic index is a metric for rating a community on variables relating to quality of life or civic engagement.

    Tool Type:
    Method
    Keyword(s):
    analysis,
    capacity building,
    community character,
    community strength,
    evaluation and monitoring,
    organizational tool,
    survey tool

  • Collage

    Collages can provide communities with an artistic tool for graphically representing their values and strengths.

    Tool Type:
    Activity
    Keyword(s):
    art tool,
    engagement,
    kids,
    meeting tools,
    meetings,
    mind-mapping,
    representation,
    students,
    visioning

  • Common Ground Process

    The Common Ground process is based upon a Venn diagram, in which two individual entities overlap slightly; the process focuses on identifying and using those areas of overlap in viewpoints, rather than creating consensus or resolving differences.

    Tool Type:
    Comprehensive Process
    Keyword(s):
    full circle project,
    search for common ground,
    venn diagram

  • Community Almanac

    The Orton Foundation believes that a shared sense of community is built through citizen interaction. This is why the Community Almanac was created; a place on the web where communities can share stories about the heart and soul of their hometown.

    Tool Type:
    Software/Web Tool
    Keyword(s):
    community character,
    interactive map,
    multimedia,
    online community,
    online forum,
    photo sharing,
    storytelling,
    web tool

  • Community Capitals Framework

    The Community Capitals Framework is a conceptual model for evaluating the overall health of a community and its capacity for community and economic development. The framework is based on successful communities that focus on seven types of capital.

    Tool Type:
    Comprehensive Process
    Keyword(s):
    built capital,
    community health,
    cultural capital,
    entrepreneurial community,
    financial capital,
    human capital,
    iowa state university,
    natural capital,
    north central regional center for rural development,
    political capital,
    social capital