Preserving Place: Williston, ND and the Use of the Community Capitals Framework for Boomtown Community Development

Abstract

The goal of this literature review is to derive an understanding of how boomtown communities can preserve a sense of place while retaining growth and prosperity. This review presents the current ideas about community development in boomtowns through the use of the Community Capitals Framework and Appreciative Inquiry. Communities benefit from being able to identify and leverage their unique cultural assets for use in future development. Rapid population and economic growth, as is common in boomtowns, can hinder a community’s ability to develop naturally and overshadow the community’s long term considerations. The community of Williston, North Dakota serves as an example boomtown that, at the time of this writing, is in the process of rapid growth and development. Sources for this review include articles by prominent researchers in the field of community development, newspaper articles, financial reports, and government websites.

Keywords:

• community development
• place making
• Community Capitals Framework
• rural boomtowns
• Williston
• ND
• Appreciative Inquiry

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Peggy A. Anderson

Peggy Anderson is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota College of Design working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Housing Studies.