A Community Council is permanent civic infrastructure—a standing table where institutional leaders and residents keep meeting long after any single project ends.
1. START
The work begins with a municipality and another local institution- such as a nonprofit, university, hospital, community foundation, or YMCA – ready to invest in lasting relationships and shared civic capacity.
2. MAP
A Community Map identifies formal and informal leaders across all sectors – local government, education, health, business, law enforcement, faith communities, nonprofits, identity groups, philanthropy, and grassroots organizers.
3. LISTEN
Through one-on-one conversations, the Listening Tour reveals where connection is strong, where it is strained, and what people hope for their community. Every conversation ends with the same question: Who else is missing?
4. GATHER
We collect baseline data so the Council starts with real evidence about the community, not assumptions.Baseline data gives the Council a clearer picture of community life, allowing members to begin with evidence rather than assumptions and measure what changes over time.
5. BUILD
The Community Map, Listening Tour, and local data help determine who needs to be at the table. That table – a standing council of leaders meets over time, they build trust and develop a Community Action Plan grounded in what they have learned.
6. ACTION
The network implements the action plan, stays connected, and becomes a lasting community asset - a permanent part of the the community works together.