Neighborhood University

 What did you learn with regards to housing last night that impacted your understanding of your neighborhood, or our region more broadly? Do you see any implications for this new information in the way you approach working in your neighborhood? 

What did you learn from Sam Friedman that might help you in the work you are doing in your community? 

We heard from both the City of Colorado Springs Utilities as well as the City of Colorado Springs Planning Department last week about their approach to planning in our city. What did you learn from these presentations that might help you in your neighborhood work? 

Yesterday, Nina Ruiz shared the county's protocols and procedures related to land use and planning in El Paso County. As you reflect on the presentation, what did you learn about planning in the county from Nina that you did not know before? 

In our third session for Neighborhood U, we talked about different models of collective decision making in a democracy - unanimous consent, consensus, and majority rule - and emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with neighbors when moving towards consensus. Do you see the tools of public narratives and one to one relational meetings being useful in your work to build consensus? If so, how and why?

Last night, we heard from city planner Hannah Van Nimwegen-McGuire about the City of Colorado Springs new approach to planning, a model centered around smaller neighborhood plans. We also heard  CONO Execuitve Director Sara Vaas and CONO Board Chair Anthony Carlson discuss the plan to build neighborhood network boards to ensure citizens are involved in the development and implementation of these plans.  What do you see as the possibilities for this model in your neighborhood? What are some of the challenges that may emerge in this model?

Last night, we heard from neighbors who have been working to build relationships in their neighborhood, identify shared interests and values, and create a great place to live for all.  Keeping in mind those areas where you want to sharpen your leadership skills, what most resonated with you from last night's panel as you consider the challenges in your neighborhood? Please leave your one paragraph response in the comments section below.