Individuals & Families
- Volunteer for events and youth activities.
- Become a monthly donor or round-up supporter.
- Share your skills (tutoring, arts, tech, trades).
Action: Take Action Now
What is a nest?
Simplly, safe space for youth (a.k.a. nest babies) to grow and experience healthier living, mind-body-soul. Nests have spaces for technology, learning, napping, working out + yoga, the latest game systems, outdoor activities, and so much more! Every nest is as unique as the community that contributes to it; every nest is in a rural community.
What does a nest need?
Our wishlist shows the basic template nests require to open and thrive: infrastructure—materials, maintenance, beds, kitchens, showers, gardens, wells, solar—and daily essentials like groceries, clothing, hygiene, home supplies, the latest technology, game systems, and transport such as e-bikes, scooters, canoes, and safe cars.
Show You're Cultured
Roadrunners’ Nests foster a culture of care in rural communities by equipping youth with essential resources, mobilizing residents to co-fund safe spaces, and inviting global companies to donate in kind, while recognizing participants with a backlink to embed on their site. Locals and new businesses receive startup support.
Nest Affiliates + Partners
We're Sending Business Your Way with Affiliate Referrals + Affiliate Benefits Support Nests All Over
These companies support Lead Roadrunner and Founder, Kimberley Griffin, with an affiliate relationship during this unique worldwide culture campaign. For a more supportive role in this campaign, consider a full marketing partnership by committing to a campaign plan, utilizing Nest interns.
Request A Nest in Your Community
Why Build a Roadrunners' Nest?
Creating safe nests where youth grow braver, stronger, and ready to soar.
Click to Read More About Why You Want a Nest in Your Community
Roadrunners are known for escaping predators on foot, relying on speed and strategy rather than flight. In the same way, Roadrunners’ Nests prepare youth to “soar” in life—even though the bird itself does not fly. Our communities nurture mind, body, and soul, drawing on the powerful symbolism of the roadrunner’s X-shaped tracks. Native Americans viewed these tracks as protective symbols, since their unique shape confuses predators about the bird’s direction. This enduring symbol reminds us that resilience, cleverness, and spirit provide guidance and safety.
At the heart of every Roadrunners’ Nest is its youth—affectionately called nest babies. Each nest baby grows in an environment built for protection, support, and empowerment. The Roadrunners’ Nest mission is to work hand in hand with communities to create safe, supportive spaces where these young people can grow, heal, and unlock their potential. Every Nest is designed as a haven for human development—fostering confidence, resilience, and healthy living. By encouraging nest babies to step beyond rural limitations and social conditioning, we open pathways to greater opportunities for education, growth, and meaningful social contribution.
As nest babies venture outward from their community Nest, they carry with them the courage and preparedness to make a difference. They become not only stronger in themselves, but also catalysts for change—leaving ripples of positive impact that extend far beyond their own lives. This transformation accelerates both their personal journey and the advancement of humanity as a whole.
Workforce Development Pipeline
A Roadrunners’ Nest isn’t just a youth space—it’s a long-term investment in your local talent pool and community. By equipping young people with technical, creative, and leadership skills, Nests create a steady stream of motivated, work-ready individuals who are more likely to stay in the community, contribute to the local economy, and support employer growth.
Stronger Communities = Stronger Economies
When youth are supported, crime drops, retention improves, and neighborhoods thrive. For CEOs, Mayors, and business leaders, this translates into a healthier workforce, higher property values, and stronger consumer bases. Nests give companies a visible way to demonstrate social responsibility while also benefiting from the ripple effect of safer, more prosperous communities.
Visible Leadership & Public Trust
Backing a Roadrunners’ Nest positions you as a leader who invests in the future. For Mayors, it signals commitment to public safety and family wellbeing. For corporations, it builds brand trust and community loyalty. For small businesses, it creates grassroots goodwill and customer relationships. Public involvement in a Nest shows stakeholders you care about more than profits—you care about people.
The Next Best Thing to Home
Healthy spaces for Roadrunner babies.
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Roadrunners’ Nests breed culture within rural communities while also sourcing in fundamentals for human advancement. The nests incite locals to participate and help crowdfund this unique safe space for their own children, and their neighbors’ children. This culture campaign also invites worldwide companies to join in showing their support for human advancement in rural areas by donating items from their companies. Every participant in our culture campaign receives a valuable backlink to their website sharing ranking value along with a roadrunner print to display in the footer of their site showing participation. Local businesses receive help with business startup tasks and receive a one-page landing website for their unique participation.
Learn what our roadrunner babies need most by viewing our regular ongoing wishlist of necessities, goodies, and supplies for expansion. Make sure you see what a nest needs before it can open: building materials, construction, maintenance agreements with locals, washers & dryers, gym facility with showers, beds, restaurant grade kitchens, landscaped garden space, drilled well, solar panels.
When Your Company Donates Products Regularly + Subscribes to Our Campaign, Our Nest Interns Produce the Following Types of Work Product
- Influencer Social Media Reels and Posts
- SEO Content and Backlink Juice from Our Culture Campaign
- Informational Websites
- e-Commerce Sites
- Custom Enterprise Systems
- Lead Generation Campaigns
- Content Development
- and more …
These are some of the items Nests require in Return for Affiliate-Ship Marketing for Your Company (Local, National, or Global)
Review our section of the different nest spaces to determine what area(s) your company can contribute to Nests with a donation in return for worldwide recognition for the contribution and brand/product promotion
- Healthy Groceries
- Quality Clothing + Shoes
- Tech + Marketing Software Subscriptions
- Self-Care + Hygiene Items
- Home Furniture, Restaurant Grade Kitchen Appliances + Home Supplies
- Linens, Towels, Toiletries,
- Computers, Tablets, VRs, Projectors, Cameras, Greenroom Equipment + Lighting
- Entertainment Equipment + Games
- Electric Bikes, Scooters, Canoes, Cars
- Outdoor Equipment for Farming and Crop Cultivation, Food Storage,
- Gym + Fitness Equipment
- Health Supplements and Botanicals
- Security Equipment, Safety Equipment,
Growth Spaces for Youth
How a Nest Helps Your Community
Roadrunners’ Nests build a culture of care in rural communities while bringing the foundational resources youth need to thrive. Our campaign mobilizes local residents to co-fund safe, healing spaces for their children and their neighbors, and invites companies worldwide to contribute in-kind support. There’s an internship program model positioning Nest Interns as influencers and affiliates. Participants are publicly recognized with a quality backlink and a roadrunner badge for their site footer, while local businesses also receive startup guidance and a one-page landing site highlighting their role.
Healthier Planet
Healthier Humans
Safe Nest Space
Unified Collaboration
“Leaders, neighbors, and partners who believe investments should directly shape the future of children and their communities.”
Who Can Help
Leaders, neighbors, and partners who believe investments should directly shape the future of children and their communities.
Time
Volunteer at events, help with youth programs, or join a local Nest committee.
Talent
Mentor, teach workshops, offer pro-bono services (design, legal, accounting, tech).
Treasure
Give once or monthly, match employee gifts, or sponsor a Nest space.
Space
Provide a room, lot, or facility hours for programs, pop-ups, or storage.
Supplies
Donate materials, gear, food, books, laptops, sports equipment, or tools.
Local Businesses & Employers
- Sponsor a Nest space (Game, Study, Wellness, Maker, Garden).
- Offer internships, job-shadowing, or youth hiring pathways.
- Provide in-kind goods, services, or employee volunteer days.
Action: Partner with Us
Schools, Colleges & Libraries
- Host after-school programs and maker labs.
- Share curriculum, mentors, and space when available.
- Coordinate referrals and student support.
Action: Explore School Partnerships
Nonprofits & Faith Communities
- Collaborate on programs and outreach.
- Share volunteers, vans, kitchens, or facilities.
- Co-host drives for food, clothing, books, and hygiene items.
Action: Collaborate Locally
City, County & Civic Leaders
- Align Nest projects with local plans and ordinances.
- Offer sites, permits, or small grants to accelerate readiness.
- Promote public safety and data-sharing for outcomes.
Action: View Targeted City Demographic
Health & Wellness Providers
- Provide screenings, workshops, and resource referrals.
- Support mental health, nutrition, and fitness offerings.
- Donate supplies or sponsor wellness events.
Action: Support Youth Wellness
Philanthropy & Corporate Sponsors
- Seed a Nest or underwrite a full space for 12–24 months.
- Match local donations; fund impact measurement.
- Provide equipment, connectivity, or transportation.
Action: Sponsor a Nest
Builders, Trades & Contractors
- In-kind labor/materials for build-outs and repairs.
- Safety training, apprenticeships, and tool donations.
- Serve on facilities & safety committees.
Action: Join the Build Team
Land & Facility Partners
- Provide temporary or long-term space for Nest programs.
- Activate underused rooms, courts, and outdoor areas.
- Co-brand improvements that benefit the community.
Action: Offer a Site
Take Action Now
Request a Nest
Development Updates
Participation and partnerships are voluntary and coordinated with local policies. Program offerings may vary by site.
“Your action today fuels cultural growth, learning, and sustainability where families need it most.”
How to Take Action Today
- Learn about the Nest Model
See how Roadrunners’ Nest creates safe, supportive spaces for youth and families.
- Identify your role
Pick the path that fits: donor, volunteer, business partner, or community leader.
- Make a contribution
Give funds or in-kind resources to accelerate a Nest where it’s needed most.
- Share the mission
Tell friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Your voice expands our impact.
- Request a Nest in your town
Start the conversation with local leaders and begin the readiness review.
“Focused on communities facing economic hardship, lack of channels for regular resources, lack of core city programs for workforce development, and lacks community activities for healthy family living.”
- Underserved Rural Communities
- Transitional Cities & Towns
- Neighborhoods With Limited Cultural Access
- High-Risk Youth Populations
- Immigrant & Minority Communities Without Representation
- Cities With Weak Local Collaboration
Roadrunners’ Nest — Town/City Readiness Standards
| Category | Metric to Collect | Pass / Target Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Population scale | Total population (city limits) | 2,500–15,000 residents |
| Age structure | Median age | ≥ state median (older or mixed-age acceptable; tailor programs accordingly) |
| Household income | Median household income | ≤ state median (indicates economic need for services and workforce programs) |
| Poverty | Share of residents below poverty line | ≥ 15% (elevated need threshold) |
| Home stability | Homeownership rate | ≥ 65% (signals community rootedness/volunteer base) |
| Commute & mobility | Mean commute time | 20–35 minutes typical (auto-dependent; plan for limited transit) |
| Primary industries | Largest employment sectors | At least one anchor sector plus public/health presence (partnership potential) |
| Education / training | Local technical college, CTE, or workforce program | Preferred: identifiable credentialing/training partner within the region |
| Highway access | Proximity to U.S. or State highway | Must: within city limits or ≤ 5 miles |
| Traffic evidence | DOT AADT counts for main corridor(s) | Must: published AADT available to quantify pass-through traffic |
| Tourism / corridor | Adjacency to scenic byway, regional artery, or visitor draw | Preferred: corridor that brings non-local traffic (tourism, regional shopping, events) |
| Regional proximity | Distance to major city and big-box anchor | Must: community is ≤ 75 miles of a major city and has a Walmart in town or ≤ 15 miles |
| Retail anchor | Walmart presence (store or Supercenter) | Must: Walmart present to support supply drives, visibility, and foot traffic |
| Collaboration capacity | Active partners across city, schools, nonprofits, health, and business | Must: identifiable multi-sector partners willing to co-operate |
Here’s The Quick Pass/Fail Checklist for Prospective Nest Locations
- The population is between 2,500–15,000.
- The property has two or three other cities like itself within a 30-minute drive of the prospective nest location.
- The median household income is at or below the state median.
- Local poverty rate is ≥ 15%.
- The property or city is on/near a U.S./State highway (≤ 5 miles).
- DOT AADT counts available for main corridors demonstrating potential income and value from traffic for logistical and income benefits from out-of-state visitors and businesses.
- ≤ 75 miles of a major city and Walmart in town or ≤ 15 miles.
- Identifiable partners: city, schools/CTE, nonprofits, health, and business, demonstrating co-operation after the nest is built because of their involvement.
Nest Development Updates
Keep up to date on the communities we reach, new initiatives, progress, and successes.
Nest Spaces
Roadrunners’ Nest creates safe, supportive spaces that nurture youth development in rural communities. Each Nest helps young people grow, build confidence, and access greater opportunities for learning and contribution. The initiative fosters a culture of care by mobilizing local residents and global partners to co-fund spaces, while also supporting local businesses with recognition, guidance, and startup resources.
Tech Nest Space
What is Tech Nest Space?
- Computer Access — Workstations equipped with up-to-date software and internet connectivity for learning and projects.
- Academic Support — Resources for coursework, study sessions, and digital learning assistance.
- Coding & Programming — Opportunities to learn software development, web design, and app building skills.
- STEM Tools — Access to robotics kits, 3D printers, and other hands-on technology for innovation and creativity.
- Digital Literacy — Training on safe internet use, online research, and essential computer skills.
- Collaborative Projects — Spaces where youth can team up on tech-driven solutions and real-world challenges.
- Mentorship & Guidance — Support from tech professionals and educators to inspire future career paths.
- Innovation Hub — Encourages exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving with technology as a tool for growth.
Creative Nest Space
What is Creative Nest Space?
- Art & Design Studios — Spaces equipped with materials for painting, drawing, sculpting, and hands-on creative work.
- Music & Recording — Access to instruments, recording equipment, and sound studios for learning and producing music.
- Media Production — Tools for video editing, photography, podcasting, and digital storytelling.
- Performing Arts — Stages and rehearsal areas for theater, dance, and spoken word performances.
- Creative Writing — Opportunities for poetry, storytelling, and content creation that express personal voice and imagination.
- Collaboration Projects — Group spaces for youth to co-create art, music, and media that reflect their communities.
- Mentorship & Skill-Building — Guidance from artists, musicians, and creators who share expertise and inspiration.
- Expression & Innovation — Encourages self-discovery, confidence, and cultural celebration through creative outlets.
Workout Nest Space
What is Workout Nest Space?
- Fitness Equipment — Access to treadmills, bikes, weights, and other gym essentials for all fitness levels.
- Hygiene Space — Access to facility showers, hygiene supplies, washers, dryers, and more.
- Group Classes — Structured sessions in yoga, dance, aerobics, or martial arts to promote wellness and community.
- Strength & Conditioning — Training zones designed to build endurance, flexibility, and confidence.
- Personal Training — Guidance from mentors and trainers who encourage safe, effective workouts.
- Youth-Friendly Programs — Age-appropriate fitness plans to help young people develop lifelong healthy habits.
- Mental Wellness Integration — Activities that combine physical fitness with stress relief and mindfulness practices.
- Community Challenges — Fitness events, competitions, and group goals to foster motivation and teamwork.
- Healthy Lifestyle Support — Education on nutrition, balance, and the importance of maintaining active routines.
Rest Nest Space
What is Rest Nest Space?
- Quiet Zones — Calm areas designed for reading, reflection, or simply recharging in peace.
- Lounge Seating — Comfortable chairs, sofas, and resting pods for relaxation throughout the day.
- Wellness Rooms — Private spaces for meditation, stretching, or quiet recovery when needed.
- Sleep Pods & Nap Areas — Short rest options that support energy, focus, and overall well-being.
- Sound & Light Therapy — Ambient design with soothing colors, soft lighting, and calming acoustics.
- Mindfulness Practices — Opportunities for guided meditation, breathing exercises, and stress relief.
- Safe Retreat — A nurturing space where youth can take a break from overstimulation or busy activities.
- Balance & Renewal — Encourages healthy routines by promoting rest alongside active learning and play.
Diner Nest Space
What is Diner Nest Space?
- Youth Kitchen — A shared space where meals are prepared and enjoyed together, fostering connection and care.
- Healthy Dining — Access to nutritious meals made from healthy imports, and locally sourced or on-site garden-grown ingredients.
- Culinary Training — Opportunities for youth and community members to learn and teach cooking, food safety, and hospitality skills with each other.
- Gathering Hub — A welcoming environment for shared meals, celebrations, and community events.
- Sustainable Practices — Emphasis on minimizing food waste, composting, and eco-friendly dining operations.
- Internship & Work Experience — Hands-on training in cooking, serving, and management to prepare for jobs in the food industry.
- Cultural Exchange — A place to celebrate diverse cuisines, traditions, and recipes from community contributors.
- Supportive Environment — Ensures every youth and community member has access to balanced meals in a safe, nurturing setting.
Outdoor Nest Space
What is Outdoor Nest Space?
- Gardening Areas — Spaces for youth to learn about sustainability, food growth, and caring for the environment.
- Outdoor Sports — Fields for soccer, football, and other team activities that build physical health and teamwork.
- Basketball Courts — Open courts for casual play, skill development, and community tournaments.
- Pickleball Courts — A growing sport that promotes friendly competition and multi-generational play.
- Skate & Bike Park — Ramps, rails, and tracks designed for safe skateboarding, biking, and scooter riding.
- Camping & Youth Campouts — Designated areas for safe overnight stays, nature exploration, and outdoor skills.
- Community Recreation — Flexible outdoor zones for group games, gatherings, and seasonal events.
- Exploration Beyond the Nest — Opportunities for supervised trips and outdoor learning experiences away from the Nest.
- Transportation & Accessibility — Safe, reliable means for youth to access recreation and venture beyond the Nest when needed.
Game Nest Space
What is Game Nest Space?
- Gaming Consoles & PCs — Access to popular platforms for multiplayer and solo play.
- Electronics & Devices — Tablets, laptops, and coding kits for digital learning.
- Social Connection — A safe environment where youth can play, collaborate, and build friendships.
- Tournaments & Challenges — Organized events that encourage teamwork, healthy competition, and problem-solving.
- Workshops & Mentorship — Guided sessions on coding, digital literacy, and responsible screen use.
- Safe & Supportive Setting — Supervised access to technology with an emphasis on online safety and balance.
- Personal Growth — Opportunities to learn creativity, strategy, and persistence through games and projects.
- Equal Access — Provides technology for youth who may not have access to games or electronics at home.
Internship Nest Space
What is Internship Nest Space?
- Education & Training — Hands-on learning in technology, marketing, and sustainable living.
- Internship Opportunities — Real-world experience that helps youth build résumés and confidence.
- Mentorship Programs — Guidance from professionals and community leaders in digital and business fields.
- Self-Sustaining Model — Internships contribute back into the Nest, supporting its long-term growth.
- Practical Skill Development — Training in web development, social media, SEO, and project management.
- Community Impact — Interns work on projects that directly benefit their community while learning valuable skills.
- Career Pathways — A stepping stone toward jobs, entrepreneurship, or higher education opportunities.
- Cycle of Growth — Each generation of interns helps prepare the next, creating a culture of sustainability.
Mission
Let's together raise healthier and happier people.
Nest Project Wishlist
Getting Started
I’m inviting private citizens, school staff, churches, City officials, large companies and small companies to participate in the Roadrunners’ Nest’s culture campaign. – Founder, Kimberley Griffin
First, review the Culture Campaign Nest Model to see if you’re interested in using it, and even modifying it for City use.
Then, visit the Request a Nest. The request a nest page lists basic requirements that determine if your town meets basic criteria for consideration.
If you’re extra interested and simply a human wanting to promote change, share this business model with your city. Encourage them to reach out to Roadrunners’ Nest.
For council leaders, the proposed startup budget and framework serve as a talking piece during formal meetings. It allows everyone to compare what resources are already available within your city — such as facilities, land, or staffing — with what gaps remain while also identifying any unique City needs.
Roadrunners’ Nest founder, Kimberley Griffin, meets with your city to review and discuss how much of the Nest can be supported internally and areas requiring external investment or partnerships.
Talk to City board members, council members, officials, counselors, the city attorney’s office, and more.
However, if you want to have anyone seriously consider a Culture Campaign Nest Model where it may be heard and implemented, you can share it with the city’s mayor. If that’s not successful, then you can create social posts sharing this page using hashtags and inviting your friends and family to share this new campaign model for community growth.
Your Social Posts Need Hashtags:
A) Use hashtags for the nest: #roadrunner #roadrunners #growthspaces #community #youth #techcenters #safespaces #learning #growing #bettertogether
B) Use hashtags for your community and friends (replace the words with your local terms): #cityname #state #county
If you are trying to think of a creative way to host a nest space in your city, consider bringing up topics such as the following when determining where to place a nest within a city and how each prospective location offers different limitations or benefits.
How do nests combat economic hardship and inflation?
How do nests combat economic hardship and inflation?
Short answer: Nests lower the cost of essential services for families and lower the operating risk for the City by pooling resources, reusing underutilized assets, and creating steady, local revenue streams. The result is cost containment for the municipality and cost relief for residents even when prices rise elsewhere.
1) Reduce startup and operating costs
- Creative real estate: percentage leases, city-owned space activation, land donations, and FSBO deals lower up-front cash needs and lock in predictable costs.
- Shared services: one facilities team, one insurance policy, and shared utilities across co-located programs (youth, arts, wellness) cut duplication.
- Cooperative purchasing: join regional/state purchasing co-ops; use multi-year contracts with price-escalation caps to hedge inflation risk.
- Staged build-out: open in phases (essential programs first, add amenities later) to avoid peak-price periods and spread capital costs.
- Efficiency upgrades: LED retrofits, occupancy sensors, low-flow fixtures, and smart thermostats reduce utility volatility and O&M spend.
2) Put money back in residents’ pockets
- Low-/no-cost programs: after-school care, tutoring, makerspace access, and wellness classes priced on a sliding scale or scholarship basis.
- Earn-to-learn pathways: stipended internships, certifications, and apprenticeships (digital skills, trades, hospitality) so youth earn while training.
- Repair & reuse economy: tool libraries, repair cafés, clothing swaps, and device refurbish clinics reduce replacement spending.
- Food security tie-ins: gardens, community fridges, and cooking classes lower grocery bills and stretch SNAP/WIC dollars.
3) Stabilize local businesses during price shocks
- Local vendor preference: nest events, concessions, and procurement prioritize in-town suppliers to keep dollars circulating (local multiplier).
- Micro-retail & pop-ups: short-term stalls and kiosks inside/adjacent to the Nest give startups low-risk exposure and new revenue.
- Business skills clinics: pricing strategy, cash-flow management, ecommerce, and marketing support to help firms navigate inflation.
4) Diversify and protect revenue
- Mixed income: memberships, program fees (sliding scale), sponsorships, naming rights, venue rentals, grants, and crowdfunding.
- Anchor partnerships: schools, hospitals, colleges, employers, and faith groups co-fund programs and guarantee utilization.
- Data-tied funding: track outcomes (attendance, certifications, job placements) to unlock performance-based grants and renewals.
5) Clear metrics City staff can monitor
- Cost per participant (target ↓ year over year)
- Utility cost per square foot (target ↓ after retrofits)
- Share of spend with local vendors (target ≥ 50%)
- Number of stipended trainees and job placements
- Scholarship dollars awarded vs. waitlist (access equity)
What Council can do next
- Authorize use of an underutilized facility or parcel for a 12–24 month pilot (percentage lease or site license).
- Join a purchasing co-op and approve multi-year contracts with escalation caps.
- Adopt a local-vendor preference for Nest procurement and events.
- Set a KPI dashboard and require quarterly reporting to Council.
How do nests position rural cities to exist and flourish?
How do nests position rural cities to exist and flourish?
Short answer: Nests turn a rural city’s place into a platform—for talent, small business, health, and culture. They keep young people, attract families and remote workers, and convert community pride into measurable economic and civic gains.
1) Retain and attract people
- Youth retention: leadership roles, certifications, esports/media labs, and paid internships create a “reason to stay” and a “boomerang” path after college.
- Remote-work readiness: reliable Wi-Fi, quiet pods, and childcare adjacency make your town competitive for distributed employees.
- Quality-of-life magnet: safe, lively programs and events that signal “this is a great place to live,” boosting in-migration and tourism.
2) Grow a resilient local economy
- Entrepreneurship pipeline: maker→market programs, business bootcamps, and micro-grants turn ideas into storefronts.
- Workforce alignment: training mapped to regional employer needs (healthcare, trades, logistics, digital) reduces skills gaps.
- Property value lift: activating vacant/underused sites increases foot traffic and surrounding property utilization.
3) Strengthen health, safety, and civic fabric
- Safe third places: supervised, constructive spaces reduce aimless time and associated risks for youth.
- Wellness access: mental-health workshops, fitness, and nutrition classes improve community health indicators.
- Bridging generations & cultures: shared arts, festivals, and service projects build trust and civic participation.
4) Build a distinct, marketable identity
- Place branding: signature events, public art, and the Roadrunners’ Nest badge system create a recognizable rural brand.
- Partner signaling: the model shows funders and companies your city is organized, data-driven, and investment-ready.
5) Governance and sustainability
- Public–private structure: City + nonprofit/operator + anchor partners share risk, duties, and oversight.
- Diverse funding: blend local appropriations, philanthropic gifts, program revenue, sponsorships, and competitive grants.
- Transparent measurement: publish dashboards and annual reports to maintain accountability and momentum.
Key outcomes Council can expect
- Higher youth engagement and lower out-migration
- New small businesses and pop-ups graduating to leases
- Increased event tourism and downtown foot traffic
- Improved workforce placement and certification counts
- Greater cross-community participation and volunteer hours
What Council can do next
- Designate the Nest as a strategic priority in the City’s plan and name a cross-department lead.
- Approve a 12-month pilot with clear KPIs (people served, certifications, vendor spend, events hosted).
- Invite anchors (school district, hospital, college, major employers) to formal MOUs for space, staffing, or sponsorship.
- Package underused space/land with basic improvements to accelerate launch and signal commitment to funders.
How do global or national companies benefit from a nest?
How do global or national companies benefit from a nest?
Companies not local to a Nest benefit by gaining access to trained interns and young professionals who provide marketing, technology, and creative services at a discounted rate. This arrangement allows corporations to lower costs, diversify their talent pipeline, and tap into authentic rural voices that resonate with broader audiences.
Added value for companies who AREN’T local
- Receive fresh perspectives from social media marketers and content creators inside the Nest.
- Gain authentic, unbiased, and organic promotional support for new product launches and campaigns.
- Tap into rural influencers and marketers who bring grassroots credibility to national campaigns.
- Reduce reliance on costly big-city agencies by sourcing affordable, community-driven talent.
Added value for companies who ARE local
- Receive community support to grow and scale their operations.
- Access interns who provide marketing, branding, and technology services at reduced costs.
- Modernize quickly to compete more effectively at regional, national, and global levels.
- Use the Nest as a launchpad for greater visibility, credibility, and long-term business growth.
Overall impact
By linking global companies with local talent, Nests act as economic bridges. They provide students and interns with real-world experience while offering businesses — both near and far — affordable, innovative services. This synergy ensures that corporate partners see direct returns on their engagement while rural cities gain recognition as centers of innovation and cultural contribution.