What is a Resource Team? Montana Resource Teams are a community based planning and assessment process involving interviewing a large number of people in the community, recording their suggestions and having a team of experts write-up implementation plans for community use. The critical focus is the community. The team of experts suggests ways of accomplishing the goals of the community.

Who are Resource Team Members? Team members are professionals in the areas of economic and community development; health; housing; workforce development; education; land use planning; grant writing; telecommunications; financing; emergency management services; and strategic planning. The team can also include state, county and federal government participants.

What are the benefits of a Resource Team visiting your community? Realistic and doable projects will be presented from simple to complex; creates excellent public and member relations; is excellent for resolving conflicts; it produces an action plan that will not sit on a shelf; the process works in a rural community; the approach builds community consensus; you can attach the plan to funding applications; and the Team is inexpensive for a community to host.

What is the Process the Resource Team uses? The Resource Team will come into your community; conduct 1 day of questioning and gathering information. The Team then compiles results and categorizes responses; holds a community town meeting to share the information that was gathered; then provides the community with a written report within 4-6 weeks.

What is the communities responsibility? The community needs to provide a community leader; provide the logistic services (tour of the community, meals and lodging for the team, meeting room); and solicit community participants.

Who are the community participants? The following segments of your community should be invited to participate: political leaders, religious leaders, members of the agriculture community, bankers, educators, major employers, Realtors, health care and social service providers, senior citizens, civic groups, students and anyone with an interest in their community. “Those that show , get things done!”

What questions will be asked during the listening sessions?

• What are the major problems/challenges in your community?
• What are the major strengths/assets of your community”
• What projects would you like to see implemented in the next 2, 5, 10, or 20 years in your community?
  

• Montana Economic Developers Association