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