Zoe Chapin

Three years after hosting CIRD's capacity building workshop, Live Oak, FL is thriving. Improvements to the city's public spaces, new retail investments, and successful cultural events have transformed the city's downtown into a bustling destination. However, perhaps, the most notable outcome of the Live Oak CIRD workshop was what, Katherine Allen, CIRD workshop co-host, called a shift in attitude.

Exciting changes are taking place in Franklin, NH (pop. 8,499), April 2016 host to the Franklin for a Lifetime community design workshop. Last month residents of Franklin gathered to celebrate and tour the progress of the last year: a total of over $82,000 in grants secured, multiple new businesses, a rejuvenated riverfront and “art in the park” as well as more exciting changes on the horizon. One thing is for sure, Franklin is showing no signs of slowing down.