Place-Based Collaboration

Place-based collaboration tackles complex problems through a systems change approach.

Type of Problem: Place-based collaboration works on complex problems with no clear or simple solutions at the community, city, county, or regional scale.

Systems Change is about shifting the conditions that produce and hold societal problems in place (Kania, John; Kramer, Mark; Senge, Peter. The Water of Systems Change. June 2018. FSG.) and shape how we live. To address complex problems, we need to pull the most critical systems change levers together in the same direction: shifting power through a shared vision, networks of people and organizations, policies, and resource flows; transforming land use with policies and infrastructure investments; resetting culture by changing mindsets and daily life practices; and breaking down silos to get things done and change multiple systems simultaneously. (© Connected to Place LLC, 2022, revised 2023 and 2025)

Essential Conditions

Relationships Based on Trust, Value, and a Network Mindset

Prioritize the cultivation of relationships built on trust (reliability, mission congruence, and open to discussion) and value (power and influence, resources to contribute, and/or level of involvement); share credit and lift up one another as part of a network mindset

Shared Vision and Outcomes

Establish a ‘big tent’ vision and specific outcomes that bring diverse stakeholders and perspectives to the cause and inspire them to stay committed

Systems Change Strategies

Develop and execute strategies that shift power, transform land use, reset culture, and break down silos; seek early and long-term wins

Alignment with Coordination

Frequently discuss, assess, and improve alignment across stakeholders and with other collaboratives and initiatives; enable aligned action through coordination.

Shared Accountability

Regularly use metrics to assess progress, making adjustments in strategy based on the data; seek feedback on processes and the health of relationships.

Joint Governance with Backbone Support

Employ a structure for participation and decision-making with clearly defined roles; provide backbone staff with time to facilitate, coordinate, and monitor the collaboration.

© Matt Biggar, Ph.D., Connected to Place (2019; revised 2022, 2023, 2025)

At Connected to Place, we support the design, implementation, and evaluation of place-based collaboration through consulting services and workshops.