Winnemucca News

Winnemucca News

HDA accepts proposal to bring planning consultants to community - 03-22-2010

WINNEMUCCA — The Humboldt Development Authority (HDA) voted unanimously on Tuesday to accept a proposal from the consulting firm Innovative Leadership whose consultants guide communities in developing a broad-based vision for the future and formulating a plan to achieve it. 

Innovative Leadership representatives were in town recently for a two-day conference where they presented their program.  Community leaders and representatives of HDA were impressed with the program and asked Innovative Leadership for a proposal in order to bring the program here.

The program will cost $30,000, plus an estimated $10,000 in transportation costs for the consultant to travel to Winnemucca;  however, the HDA intends to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)  to offset some of the expenses. 

The HDA had hoped to gain the financial support of other area boards, organizations, and businesses first; however, the timing was tricky due to the CDBG application, which meant they had to come up with community matching funds on the quick.

The HDA decided to go ahead and fund the $30,000 up-front and approach other boards and businesses later in the hopes they’ll see the benefits of the program and help support the project.

Not everyone in the audience, though, liked the idea of bringing in outside consultants to guide the community on planning strategies.  Local resident Sharlet Berensten appeared to support the concent, but she pointed out the community already has trained facilitators whose services might be engaged for less than $30,000.

The HDA board members agreed there were many talented facilitators in the community, but the level of experience Innovative Leadership brought to the table would probably ensure greater success.  One of the issues discussed was the community outreach needed to bring as many participants to the table as possible, which Innovative Leadership has experience in doing.

The HDA intends to put together a presentation to promote the project, so there will be more information in the future.

Written by Dee Holzel - Silver Pinyon Journal - 3/18/10

• Winnemucca News