From the CEO
Bill Roper considers the importance of innovative tools, strategies, and concepts in community decision-making.
Scenarios E-Journal
Past Issue
Summer 2007
The Art and Science of Decision-Making
Scott Russell Sanders looks back on one of the most important decisions of his life—settling down in Bloomington, Indiana 30 years ago and choosing to call it home. Helen Whyte brings us to Hinesburg, Vermont, where citizens are mixing old-fashioned discussions with the newest technology. Jocelyn Hittle introduces the Chip Game, a low-tech tool used in charrettes and community meetings to help engage citizens, synthesize their input and educate the public about the tradeoffs inherent in planning.
Contents
Speaking of Place
In "Home Ground", Scott Russell Sanders looks back on one of the most important decisions of his life—settling down in Bloomington, Indiana 30 years ago and choosing to call it home.
On the Ground
Helen Whyte brings us to the village of Hinesburg, Vermont, where planners are using CommunityViz and other technologies to help citizens envision proposed zoning changes and make decisions for village revitalization.
Innovator in Place
The Foundation catches up with Pat Field, Managing Director of North American Programs at the Consensus Building Institute in Boston, to talk about the organization's efforts to foster collaborative decision-making processes around the globe.
Tech Toolbox
Jocelyn Hittle introduces the Chip Game, a low-tech tool used in charrettes and community meetings to help citizens explore allocation of resources and development units.
What We're Reading
Rebecca Sanborn Stone discovers how happiness can make or break us—and our communities—in Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert's wry take on the psychology of decision-making.
Featured Website
Burlington, VT's Front Porch Forum creates community through online forums for all City neighborhoods.