Sometimes, there can be the perception that there is so much work to be done that it’s better for a small group of people—or even a single person—to make the decisions. This tends to alienate people who are not on the decision-making team. We believe that an open and democratic process that goes out of its way to be inclusive is not only the best path to creating a great neighborhood, it’s the only path.

Your neighborhood forums should be held at a time and place that’s convenient for as many people as possible. Be sure you invite all of the groups you’ve met with—but invite all of the neighbors, as well. You never know where the next great idea’s going to come from.

Community building works only when it’s the result of a neighborhood working hard to implement its own vision—not a vision imposed from the outside. Get all the ideas on the table, because it’s just about time for the real work to begin.