Becky Beissel Ellsworth Village President

I recently came across a concept called the Community Change Cycle, and it struck me how closely it mirrors what many communities experience as they grow and evolve. It also made me reflect on the past several years here in Ellsworth.

The Community Change Cycle describes the stages communities often move through as ideas turn into real projects. While every place is different, the pattern tends to look surprisingly similar.

The first stage is Vision and Excitement.

This is when communities gather ideas and begin imagining the future. In Ellsworth, this stage was reflected in efforts like Design Ellsworth, when residents and stakeholders came together to share ideas about how our community could grow and improve. These conversations are usually full of energy and optimism. People feel heard. Big ideas are discussed. It’s exciting to think about what the future might hold.

Interestingly, many communities never move beyond this stage. It’s much easier to talk about change than it is to actually carry it out.

The second stage is Planning and Alignment.

This is when ideas begin turning into real plans. In Ellsworth, that has included things like strategic planning, outdoor recreation planning, infrastructure studies, and identifying funding strategies for future projects. During this phase, things still tend to feel calm. Plans are conceptual and long-term, so most people remain supportive.

The impacts of change still feel somewhat theoretical. But this stage is essential. Careful planning ensures that projects are thoughtful, coordinated, and aligned with the long-term goals of the community.

Then comes phase three which is Implementation. This is when the real work begins.

Construction starts. Infrastructure gets replaced. Redevelopment projects take shape. Plans that have been discussed for years finally become visible.

And this is also when the conversation often gets louder. Even people who support progress in principle may react differently when specific projects begin affecting streets they drive on or spaces they’re used to seeing a certain way. Construction disruptions can be frustrating. Rumors and misinformation can spread quickly. And sometimes a relatively small number of voices can dominate the conversation.

This stage can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also a sign that a community has moved beyond talking about change and is actually doing the work to make it happen. In many ways, this is the phase where leadership matters most. It requires persistence to carry projects through to completion.

The final stage is Results and Reconciliation.

Once projects are finished and people begin experiencing the benefits, the conversation usually changes again. Infrastructure works better. Public spaces improve. New investment and activity follow.

Over time, the controversy fades. What once felt like a major change simply becomes part of everyday life. In fact, many of the places people love most in their communities today were debated heavily when they were first proposed.

Recognizing this cycle helped me see recent conversations in Ellsworth a little differently. Communities that continue to improve rarely do so without a little friction along the way. And if history is any guide, many of the improvements we’re working on today will one day simply feel like they’ve always been part of Ellsworth and become places the community values and takes pride in.