In 2007 a group of Carbondale, Colorado residents had a vision that an empty elementary school building could become a dynamic community resource filled with artist studios, social service offices, and meeting space for organizations, businesses, neighborhood groups and environmentalists of all kinds. With the town's vision and ongoing support, a broad partnership grew that included a local developer, an architect, a community development corporation, a local bank, and a social entrepreneurship fund. Rather than start from scratch, this group decided to see if anyone else had tried this idea and what they could learn from them.
Happy New Year! As with the beginning of any new year we recognize change, resolutions and commitments. However, with the entrance of 2011, the type of change and commitments we make need to look very different. We need to be much more intentional and strategic in our work as the reliance on the social sector increases dramatically.