Concept Mapping in Community Planning

Success Stories

Concept Mapping (CM) merges the "art" of large group decision making with the "science" of modeling and analysis. It is often referred to as "brainstorming on steroids". CM is proving to be one of the most effective means of bringing groups of people together to provide input on community issues and to help set priorities and action steps at the same time. Concept Mapping helps to overcome limitations in other community engagement processes and is a quicker, more efficient and more productive method for moving communities forward in their planning efforts.

CM uses an innovative software application developed by faculty at Cornell University to pictorially display ideas and issues, how they relate to each other, and shows which ideas are most relevant, important, or appropriate.

Presentation will include how the process works as well as examples from specific communities who are using the process for their economic development planning efforts.