Everyone in the West End is invited and encouraged to attend a community spaghetti dinner at the Lone Cone Library in Norwood on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Town of Norwood, West End Economic Development Corporation (WEEDC), Community Builders and the rest of the West End Sustainability Plan team are meeting with folks from across the region to talk about the plan’s goals, and hear from the public about their values, hopes and fears for the West End community.
“This is an important opportunity to provide your input,” representatives said in a news release. “We hope to see you there. Dinner and a kid-friendly activity will be provided.”
For those that can’t attend the spaghetti dinner, there are other ways to share feedback. That includes in-person and virtual small group “Community Conversations.” The public may visit bit.ly/WE-Convos for more information and to register. Times are available throughout October and November.
People can also fill out a community values worksheet online at bit.ly/WE-Values or a paper version at drop boxes in West End libraries and businesses, including Clark’s Market, Mesa Rose, Lone Cone Saloon, Co-op Country, Good E’s Grocery, Family Market and Wild Gal’s Market.
For more details on getting involved, the public may contact Makayla Gordon (mgordon@choosewestend.org or 970-417-1976) or Mackinzi Taylor (mackinzi@communitybuilders.org) and follow the Facebook page for updates: bit.ly/WestEndPlanFB.
Representatives said the plan is off to a great start; they’re excited to share progress. More than 200 West End residents have been reached so far, and the group hopes to engage with many more by the end of the year.
The focus of this first phase is on identifying the values that matter most to the community. Those will guide the sustainability plan, helping preserve what makes the West End special, while planning for an even brighter future.
Engagement efforts will continue through the end of the year, and all are encouraged to get involved.
“This is just the first step on an exciting journey for the West End, and we hope people will help us continue this momentum as we discuss important issues, community vision, and tangible strategies through 2025,” representatives said. “The foundation of this process is input from the community, so the ideas in the plan will come from you, the people who live and lead in the West End. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to engage with us so far.”
Who’s guiding the work?
The West End Sustainability Plan’s working group is made up of representatives from WEEDC, each of the three towns and Montrose County. The team came together through a Building Better Places Training and partnered to apply for assistance through Community Builders’ community assistance program.
This group is taking on the day-to-day project management, but the plan will be fully guided by the community. There is also a project ambassador team (the “A-Team”) that is made up of key local organizations and community volunteers. The A-Team is helping to steward the process and assist with community outreach and engagement. The group has open membership and encourages those who are interested to apply by simply sending a brief note of interest to Gordon.
How is the process being funded?
Currently, half of the project funding is from local sources (WEEDC, fundraising and contributions from each of the West End communities and counties), and half is from the project’s nonprofit partner, Community Builders (through Colorado-based foundations).
Community Builders assistance projects are rooted in a unique partnership that leverages philanthropic resources raised by them with local funding contributed by project partners, usually around a 1:1 match. In this way, Community Builders is not acting as a “consultant” that is “hired” by partner communities. Instead, all parties agree to work together based on shared goals, responsibility and resources.
A note on naming
We’ve received some questions about the name “West End Sustainability Plan,” and whether that means the plan will include specific environmental policies or interests. The answer is “no.” In this case, we are referring to “sustainability” as our ability to sustain ourselves as a community, so that the West End can be livable and thriving now, and for future generations.
