PlaceMatters, an independent affiliate of the Orton Family Foundation, is a living laboratory where a national network of creative practitioners come together to learn, share, inspire and seed innovation in place, collectively elevating the art and science of planning for vibrant and sustainable communities.
Activities
PlaceMatters provides a range of services to communities, organizations, including consulting, technical expertise, and provision of specific tools and planning processes. The organization also convenes an annual conference with the Orton Family Foundation, maintains a database of planning tools, and provides additional resources on its website.
Relevant Projects
- The PlaceMatters and CommunityMatters conferences hosted in part by PlaceMatters (see Orton Family Foundation)
- The Tools Database (see Tools) offers a wide range of high-tech and low-tech tools for use in community planning, including a number that are mentioned in this document.
Relevant Methodologies
PlaceMatters uses many high-tech and pioneering technologies in all of its projects, as well as in the presentation of them. The organization uses and offers tools such as keypad polling, scenario planning, 3-D visualization, interactive online mapping, electronic town meetings, and community websites as a way to improve specific projects, but also as a way to educate others about the tools and to increase participation in other convenings and events. PlaceMatters’ website serves as a virtual gathering place for those interested in planning and tools; they can search for resources, communicate with one another, and stay abreast of the latest technological developments.
More Information
1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 307
Denver, CO 80202
303-964-0903 (phone)