OUR VALUES

We believe that inclusion is fundamental to fostering creativity, embracing diversity, and cultivating a profound sense of belonging and connection within our communities. This inclusive approach weaves a social and cultural fabric that is not only rich but also resilient, uniting us in strength. We advocate for economic inclusion that authentically represents the diversity of our society, recognizing its inherent value in creating vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods, generating employment opportunities, and fostering innovation

We believe that being responsive and community-centered necessitates continual adaptation to the evolving needs of the community and its environment. Embracing a dynamic approach to economic development is essential for creating lasting impact. This entails consistently assessing, exploring, and fostering a deeper understanding of how people are affected. We recognize the importance of allowing room for iteration and learning from failure in our pursuit of meaningful change.

When individuals are engaged, connected, and activated, their potential to thrive increases exponentially. We envision a vibrant Columbia characterized by energy, mutual respect, and love, where citizens are empowered to unleash their unique talents, participate with pride, and actively contribute to their communities. Vibrant neighborhoods and cities inspire their inhabitants to embrace local commerce, foster community bonds, and discover humanity and connection within their immediate surroundings. This ethos drives how we center community voice to build bridges as we strive to cultivate a vibrant and flourishing environment for all.

Our focus is on Columbia’s distinct talents, culture, neighborhoods, assets and identity. We believe in adopting local as much as possible and that it is our responsibility to amplify, buy and center local in order to see the benefits of keeping our money and support in the community. Supporting local and telling local stories - filling these gaps is how we can paint a complete picture of a full and thriving community.

At the core of our ethos lies Creativity, exemplified by our artsy, modern, and design-forward approach to creating activations. We embrace fresh thinking, human-centered design, and a spirit of fun-loving enthusiasm to inspire thoughtful engagement. We recognize that creativity is essential for centering humans in economic development and addressing complex social problems, sparking interest and fostering innovative perspectives.

Our work centers the community, prioritizing its needs and embracing the diversity of its voices. We firmly believe that impactful change can only occur when the citizens of an area are actively engaged in the decision-making processes that affect their neighborhoods. Recognizing self-determination and agency as powerful influencers of motivation, learning, and wellness, we mobilize critical assets and talents, foster social connectedness, and empower individuals to take control of their own livelihoods.