<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4K0fdX_0wBKtAqn00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4K0fdX_0wBKtAqn00" width="1024" height="752" >Community Builders will provide its first update on progress regarding the Brown Ranch property to City Council on Tuesday. The update will cover initial findings from focus groups and interviews conducted by Community Builders in hopes of better understanding community needs and desires. The nonprofit organization, whose goal is to shape strong and livable communities in Colorado through civic engagement, was hired by the city after the divisive voter rejection of city annexation of Brown Ranch earlier this year.Clark Anderson, executive director of Community Builders, addressed the issue in a statement.“We are in listening mode to learn about people’s experiences with the annexation proposal, the previous process, and perceptions of what worked and did not work,” Anderson’s statement read. “Like a lot of other mountain towns, Steamboat Springs is a community trying to navigate change. So, when we talk about housing, it turns into larger questions about the identity of the place, and even who belongs here.”Community Builders is focused on problem solving through representing the Steamboat community and collaborating with City Council. According to the organization, people have demonstrated a willingness to reconsider the Brown Ranch annexation.“A better process will shift these dynamics and get people working together,” Anderson said. “This community cares about its people and its future; they do care about affordable and attainable housing. So, it’s about creating a dynamic where we’re working together and creating conditions where everyone feels heard — so that together, the community unpacks the real challenges that must be addressed and comes up with solutions.”According to City Councilor Michael Buccino, the update could push the process of annexing Brown Ranch forward in a positive direction. After the community defines exactly what it would like to see in the next proposal, designers will be provided with the specified requirements.“What we’re hoping to get out of this is a good community conversation,” Buccino said. “We want a list of expectations that will be given to designers before it’s put to a vote. The community needs to be heard before we annex the land. If citizens are going to spend this kind of money, it’s important they know their needs will be met.”</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Steamboat City Council seeks to better understand community needs in Brown Ranch debate

Community Builders will provide its first update on progress regarding the Brown Ranch property to City Council on Tuesday. The update will cover initial findings from focus groups and interviews conducted by Community Builders in hopes of better understanding community needs and desires. The nonprofit organization, whose goal is to...