How-to Books and Training Presentations

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Developed for communities with design guidelines, this training provides a step-by-step approach to improving the design review process, from pre-application through post-construction evaluation. Used by our clients, it has also been presented at the following recent conferences by Mike Davenport, AIA, AICP of Community Matters this year:Western Planner Annual Conference, National Alliance of Preservation Commissions  National Conference and Downtown Colorado, Inc. Annual Conference.

Co-author of 'How to book' with Nore Winter  on creating design guidelines using 5 community examples- Sterling, Telluride, Durango, Grand Junction and Fort Collins. Published by the Colorado Historical Society ( History Colorado)

The Integrated Planning Guidebook presents simple tools and techniques that address three key suggestions made during the Smart Growth Initiative: Reinforce positive linkages between transportation, air quality and land use planning; preserve and improve air quality by providing effective alternative transportation modes, and Improve transportation, air quality and comprehensive planning by emphasizing integration and coordination of planning efforts. Recognized for Outstanding Colorado Planning by the Colorado APA; published by the State of Colorado.

Authors Barbara Cole and  Phil Herr, MIT City Planning professor were contracted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to write this  workbook and fiscal impact model to help communities predict and manage growth related impacts that result from potentially transforming land uses such as gambling.  Workbook and computer model available through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Business Opportunities Casebook & The Business Opportunities Workbook and Financing Economic Renewal are  three publications authored by Barbara Cole with Meredith Miller that document dozens of small town success stories and shows how communities can build on their existing assets to strengthen and expand their economies without resorting to the high stakes recruiting game.  The methodology was recently updated and published in an article by the Colorado Municipal League in 2011. Published by the Rocky Mountain Institute and republished by the U.S. Small Business Development Administration.

A step-by-step workbook to develop an action plan for community that must make high stakes decisions about their future by Barbara Cole and Phillip B. Herr. Available through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This workbook, written by Barbara Cole for Jobs for Colorado’s Future, helps communities to assess and develop the skills of their most important resource, people. By focusing on strengths and weaknesses, raising skill levels, and enhancing workforce flexibility, communities can make a difference to the economic well-being of their residents throughout Colorado. This book tells you how. Available from Author.

A guidebook and seminars to assist small communities remain competitive when faced with big box development.  Barbara Cole has completed specific assignments for: the State of Minnesota, Bismarck, North Dakota, Ridgecrest, California, Lewistown, Pennsylvania, Sheridan Wyoming,  St. Albans Vermont, the US Navy and numerous small towns  throughout the Rocky Mountain West. Cole was featured on the front page of USA Today for her expertise in helping small businesses compete against Big Box stores and recognized by the  Independent Business magazine.

Completed for the CDOT by Barbara Cole of Community Matters, Inc., Amy Webb of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Ann Moss, then at the National Park Service, this evaluation of Colorado byways (including two corridor management plans completed by Community Matters) outlines how to develop and manage a Scenic Byway. In addition to the overall planning approach, Cole completed specific sections on finance, implementation and management.