In this session, Christie Oostema (Envision Utah) explained how a rural implementation toolkit was developed based on the scenarios planning process, with a focus on economic development and innovative strategies for rural and smaller places.  The session also included a discussion led by Dave Conine (USDA Rural Development) of available USDA programs, and how rural places can access those resources to promote greater economic outcomes.

Materials:
Implementing a Regional Plan as an Over-arching Economic Development Strategy – Focus on Implementation Strategies and Toolkit Powerpoint (PDF) 

In the 101 session, participants learned about gathering baseline data, developing a public involvement plan, facilitating public open houses, and creating scenarios. In Part 2, the focus was on bringing together technical teams, stakeholders, and the media to tell a compelling story that will build buy-in to implement your plan. Topics included 1) telling compelling stories through scenarios modeling and visualizations and 2) developing long-term capacity and preparing for implementation.

Presenters included:

Christie Oostema, Planning Director, Envision Utah
Jay Baker, Countywide Planner, Cache County, Utah
Lori Haddock, Economic development professional, Bear Lake County, Idaho
Mitch Poulsen, Executive Director, Bear Lake Regional Commission

Materials:
Scenarios Planning 101 Powerpoint (PDF)
Measurements that Matter:  Modeling What Relates to Community Values and Issues (PDF)
Project Data Needs Spreadsheet (Excel)
Identifying Visioning Principles from Public Input (PDF)
Identifying Data Themes and Alternative Scenarios from Public Input (PDF) 
Envision Cache Valley Final Report and Toolkit (PDF) 
Public Workshops Facilitator Guide (PDF)
Cache Valley Place Types Handout (PDF)
Bear Lake Valley Blueprint and Toolkit (PDF) 
Bear Lake Place Types Handout (PDF)

Grow discussed how visions should satisfy the values, hopes, and dreams of citizens, and how a successful visioning process includes identifying community values to find common ground, frame issues, communicate, and build consensus.  Visions that respond to core values can be implemented, because satisfying one’s values is the foundation of personal and collective decision making.  This presentation explained the importance of understanding values in visioning processes and explored options for smaller places and rural regions.

Materials:
Regional Visioning Based on Shared Values Powerpoint (PDF)  [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]
Creating a Strategy, Framing Issues for Scenarios, Using Values in Your Communication Strategy, Inviting Stakeholders Workshop (PDF)