Help Shape the Future of Our Eastern Sierra Gateway Communities and Economy

Sparking collaboration, shaping strategies.

4 Session Workshop Series, Thursday evenings 4:30 - 7pm October 2, October 16, October 30, November 13
Alternating locations: Bishop and Mammoth Lakes

This hands-on Community Economic Development (CED) skill-building workshop series gives you the tools, data, and strategies to move from ideas to coordinated action. Together we’ll build capacity, strengthen partnerships, and spark new projects for the Eastern Sierra.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical skills in Community and Economic Development planning and partnership development
• Local economic data tools and analysis to guide decision-making
• Asset-mapping techniques to connect opportunities with resources
• Strategies to move from goals to actionable plans
• Connections with others committed to making our communities thrive

Session 1: Community Economic Development Fundamentals

Learn foundational concepts in community and economic development. Explore foundational elements of development processes and practices, partnerships and governance, and sector strategies. We will engage in group exercises engaging data on demographics, earnings, industries to surface key issues facing the Eastern Sierra. Begin discussions on local strengths, challenges, and priorities.

Session 2: Understanding the Economy of the Eastern Sierra: Using Data to Set Priorities

Strong decisions rely on solid data. In this session, you’ll learn how to access and interpret local economic data to better understand the Eastern Sierra’s economy, with emphasis on CREATE industries (Culinary, Retail/Recreation, Entertainment, Arts, and Tourism). We’ll cover key concepts in community economic development, including sector/cluster strategies and the CARE model (Creation, Attraction, Retention, Expansion). Working in teams, you’ll apply these tools to identify 2–3 priority opportunities that can guide future economic action in the region.

Session 3: Mapping Assets, Aligning With Opportunities  

In this session, we'll apply the 6-pillar Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) framework to map assets around local opportunities surfaced during our first two sessions. Connect priorities to local assets — from businesses and institutions to events, outdoor recreation amenities, and community traditions. Learn how to turn opportunities into concrete goals.

Session 4: From Goals to Action: CED Strategic Planning   

This session brings everything together. Learn how to turn insights into impact by creating SMART goals, developing strategies that build on local assets, and designing action plans with clear roles, timelines, and next steps. You’ll leave with practical tools to sustain momentum and move community economic development forward beyond the workshop series.

Who Should Attend?

Local government staff, business and workforce leaders, civic volunteers, community associations, and emerging change makers ready to strengthen their CED skills.

When and Where? 

Workshops alternate between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes:

• October 2 – Bishop, Business Resource Center
• October 16 – Mammoth Lakes (TBD location)
• October 30 – Bishop, Business Resource Center
• November 13 – Mammoth Lakes (TBD location)

Take the Next Step

Be part of shaping the future of our gateway communities.

👉 Sign up using this interest form to reserve your spot and receive updates.