Accelerating Envisioned Change

“Things are getting better and better,

worse and worse, faster and faster.”

– Tom Atlee

What I’d like to talk about…

Cultural change and the need for vision acceleration

What is vision acceleration?

Case study in vision acceleration (Accelerate Bend)

Lessons and tools

Accelerated cultural change

Generational shift: Boomers > GenX > Millennials

Increasing social and cultural diversity

Changing cultural mores, values and norms

Evolving relationship to information technology

New ways of communicating, connecting, learning

Engagement must ‘accelerate’ too

New planning processes

New forms of communication and outreach

New approaches, tools and techniques

New participatory activities

New outcomes and products

What is vision ‘acceleration’?

Re-engaging public to renew/update vision and plan.

Re-calibrating engagement to reflect changes in the

community and culture.

Re-positioning plan to focus on signature initiatives that

accelerate the vision (“Accelerators”).

What is a vision accelerator project?

Bold idea for a project that is “aligned on vision.”

Looks out just over the horizon – creating “stretch.”

Achievable within near-term (e.g. 3-5 years).

Involves cross-sectoral collaboration.

Acceleration Case Study

Short history of Bend (cont.)

Bend 2030 project “privatised” (2007)

Plan implementation fully underway (2008)

Economic recession bottoms out (2009)

Community awareness of vision wanes (2010)

2030 Board explores vision update (2011)

A pilot vision ‘accelerator’ project

Bend 2030 Living City Design Project

Volunteer architects, planners, engineers, students

Attuned to 2030 vision and Living Building Challenge

Venture funded by Bend 2030 Board

Submitted to international design competition

Living City Design: Downtown Transformation

Living City Design: Downtown Transformation

Bend 2030 business roundtable

Outreach to business community

Solicitation of business

involvement in 2030 vision

Feedback on connecting with

community

Social media, marketing and outreach

Social media, marketing and outreach

Social media, marketing and outreach

Signature outreach event

Signature outreach event

Signature outreach event

Generative community workshops

Generative community workshops

Online validation survey

WELL PLANNED CITY• Central Area Plan Advancement• Neighbourhood Ecodistrict Project• Third Street Redevelopment Initiative

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT• Deschutes River Reach Project• Sustainable Local Food Production• Healthy Forests Initiative• Comprehensive Waste Reduction Plan

VIBRANT ECONOMY• Economic Development Collaboration• High-Tech/Creative District• Arts & Events Destination Facility

CREATIVE, LEARNING CULTURE• Higher Ed Innovation & Enterprise• Creative Arts Center• Arts & Cultural Alliance

SAFE, HEALTHY PEOPLE• Health & Wellness Initiative• Prescription to Thrive• Youth Drop-In Center• Simpson Ave. Recreation Hub

STRONG COMMUNITY• Neighborhood Connections• Volunteer Workforce Development• A Center for Hope• Community Gathering Places

Final list accelerator projects

Central Area Plan advancementCentre city redevelopment initiative

Central Area Plan advancementCentre city redevelopment initiative

Sustainable local food production

Sustainable local food production

Community gathering places

Stewarding civic enagement

Stewarding civic enagement

Stewarding civic enagement

Q&A – Acceleration case study

Bend’s stewardship challenge

• Impact of Great Recession on region

• Decreased financial support from Council

• New ownership structure for Bend 2030 (NGO)

• Diminishing public awareness over time

• Need to re-engage public, business and industry

Bend 2030 response

• Scientific survey of public perceptions (PSU SRL)

• Business roundtable with innovation sectors

• Strategic organisational plan

• Engaged supporters and funders

• Pilot vision accelerator project