ELKHART

BUILDING BLOCKS TALKS

A SPEAKER SERIES CENTERED ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN ELKHART COUNTY, INDIANA

Building Blocks Talks bring insightful speakers to Elkhart County to share wisdom on how great design, planning, and preservation can strengthen communities. This free series supports the renaissance of Elkhart County’s downtowns by connecting national expertise with local momentum and is presented by weIMPACT, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

OUR NEXT EVENT

Speaker: Melissa Bruntlett

Cycling Towards Empathy: Reimagining more inclusive spaces in our communities

Thursday, October 2, 2025

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Goshen Theater Ballroom

216 S. Main Street, Goshen, Indiana 46526

Presentation Description:

Cities around the world are reimagining their streets and public spaces, transforming them into places for enjoyment and spending time instead of simply for moving through. As more cities, businesses, and local advocates search for the perfect recipe for urban vitality in their communities, a number of cities are leading the way. Through thinking empathetically about the people they are planning and designing for, these cities are showing the potential that lives within to become beautiful places where people can connect across ages, abilities, and socio-economic status. In her presentation, global equitable mobility expert Melissa Bruntlett will discuss how more inclusive transport and public spaces can create communities where everyone can thrive. Together we will explore the driving forces of these global trends and the leadership qualities that are helping cities realize the benefits of shifting to urban vitality.

Register Here

PREVIOUS EVENTS

Jim Brainard,
former Mayor of Carmel, IN

October 24, 2024

Jim Brainard, former Mayor of Carmel, IN, shares valuable experiences and strategies from his leadership role in community development and placemaking.

A Bristol native, Jim Brainard has a strong connection to Elkhart County and is dedicated to supporting local efforts that focus on building vibrant communities and fostering future growth. Discover key approaches that contributed to his success and explore how Elkhart can apply similar strategies to enhance our community’s growth and vitality.

Presented in collaboration with: Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, weIMPACT Group, Vibrant Communities, and Connect in Elkhart County.

Strong Towns’ Chuck Marohn at the Crystal Ballroom in Elkhart, IN

April 14, 2024

In this presentation of Elkhart County’s Building Blocks Talks Series, renowned author Chuck Marohn explains in plain language, how so many American cities have found themselves in decline after decades of “growth.” He offers thought-provoking insight and solutions to some of common development issues affecting rural and urban communities.

Building Blocks Talks is a speaker series sponsored by Vibrant Communities, the Elkhart County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Connect in Elkhart County and weIMPACT group. These free learning opportunities intend to engage residents on a variety of topics related to community development and vibrancy.

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