Every election season we hear politicians promise to invest in infrastructure. They talk about roads, bridges, water systems, broadband, and electrical grids. Those investments matter. Communities cannot thrive without them. But I wonder if we have overlooked another kind of infrastructure that may be just as important. It is the infrastructure of relationships. Think about your own neighborhood. If a storm knocked out the power tonight, who would you check on? If you had a medical emergency, which neighbor would notice something was wrong? If a new family moved in next door, who would introduce themselves first? These questions have very little to do with concrete or asphalt. They have everything to do with connection, belonging and community trust. For decades we have assumed that neighbor connectnos would simply happen on its own. Yet modern life has quietly worked against it. Longer commutes, busy schedules, garage doors that close with the push of a button, and digital entertainme...

  The turn of the 20th century saw Colorado Springs’ Ivywild neighborhood blossom, and at the heart of it stood the Ivywild Elementary School. Built in 1916, this stately brick landmark served generations of students until declining enrollment prompted its closure in 2009. Left vacant, the facility risked becoming yet another relic—until visionaries stepped in with a bold proposition: restore the building not just to preserve its history, but to transform it into a vibrant community nucleus. The Renaissance of a Schoolhouse In March 2012, local entrepreneurs—Joe Coleman of Blue Star Restaurant fame and Mike Bristol of Bristol Brewing Co.—joined forces with architect Jim Fennell, forming a coalition rooted in civic pride, sustainability, and a love for local enterprise. They purchased the 20,000‑square‑foot school and set about retaining its architectural integrity—the grand façade, columns, original brickwork, wood ceilings, handprint murals, even the gym’s wooden floors—while retr...

  ​ In his article " Counting the Cost of Bowling Alone ," Andy Haldane discusses how the weakening of social connections, known as "social capital," affects our lives. ​ Social capital refers to the trust and relationships among people in a community. Haldane notes that over the past 50 years, this social fabric has weakened, leading to more isolation and less community involvement. This trend was first highlighted by Robert Putnam in his book "Bowling Alone," where he observed that activities like bowling leagues, which once brought people together, have declined. ​ The decline in social capital has significant consequences: ​ Economic Growth : Communities with strong social bonds tend to have better economic performance. Trust among people makes business transactions smoother and reduces costs. Haldane points out that a 10% increase in trust can boost a country's economic output by over 1%. ​ Social Mobility : Social connections can open up o...