CURB launches Community Builders Collaborative and a refreshed key messaging campaign

CURB staff introduced two related initiatives aimed at increasing practitioner capacity across the state: a refreshed set of key messages to clarify CURB’s role and a new Community Builders Collaborative (CBC), a peer‑powered community of practice for project developers and local practitioners.

Consultant Manny Rivera presented a messaging framework CURB will use to explain who CURB is, what it does, and why it matters. The materials highlight three frames — "local communities know best," "infrastructure unlocks opportunity," and a relationship‑first approach summarized as the "right project, right time" model — and offered short, shareable message lines for different audiences (for example, policymakers and community leaders).

Staff described the CBC as a low‑barrier, peer‑driven forum to share practical templates, searchable guidance about funder requirements, and a private online space for Q&A and coaching. Staff emphasized the CBC is intended to democratize access to technical knowledge (so communities do not all need to contact CURB staff directly to get help) and to invest in the human capacity behind infrastructure projects. Proposed features include a searchable funder‑requirements spreadsheet, a repository of tools, recorded webinars, and a private group for members. CURB staff said recruitment would open in late August and close in October (an 18‑month cohort window was discussed), with a public rollout targeted for the fall and additional outreach at partner conferences.

Board members asked about scope and workload; Janae said the CBC is intended to reduce redundant requests to CURB staff over time by making answers and templates available to practicing project developers and local staff. No formal board action was required; this presentation functioned as an introduction to ongoing program work.