Community Builders Institute; Building Better Communities

The Community Builders Institute (CBI) was established in 2003 by Northeast Utilities (NU) to address education and training issues of land-use decision makers in Connecticut. To do this, CBI strives to equip the industry with an ever-growing toolkit to meet evolving demands and encourage lifelong professional development. CBI uses national and local experts to train economic development and planning professionals, volunteer land-use commissioners, elected officials and real estate professionals.

And the program works! CBI has trained over 500 people since its inception in 2003. Attendance continues to skyrocket. Between 60 and 70 people enroll in sessions consistently and the number of course offerings continues to diversify and expand.

"I have attended many of the classes since [CBI] was initiated," said Barbara Strother, economic development specialist for the town of Groton. "The reasonable cost of attending the Community Builders Institute is an enormous benefit with Northeast Utilities sponsoring the program in an ongoing effort to improve the vital community service provided by land commissioners."

NU and CBI filled a gap in the industry caused by minimal funding for training and professional development of land-use officials in smaller communities. Previously, officials had to go out of state to find quality, best-practice training. NU provides a cheaper, in-state solution. The widely varied coursework, including topics such as "Planning for Economic Development" and "Creating Great Downtown and Neighborhoods," as well as other new growth focused courses developed each year, keep people coming back.

Many participants are excited to return to their communities and apply the information they have learned. The program's multiple marketing classes, for example, inspire attendees to implement and upgrade community Web sites, practice presentation techniques and propose new marketing ideas to their boards and commissions.