Evidence in Action

CoBuild Montana turns ambitious ideas into measurable progress tracked to values-based reporting. To keep our work transparent and community-driven, we track our progress with clear, quarterly updates that show what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next. This process ensures we are always learning and keeping wealth, jobs, and decision-making rooted in Montana.

Values in Practice: Tracking Signals

In every reporting cycle, project teams share updates on the values and indicators they’re piloting. Aligned with international Ecocity Standards for healthy communities, these broad indicators keep our learning practical and local while preparing for deeper measurement ahead.

  • Healthy Housing & Spaces: Comfort and safety feedback; early signs of improvement.

  • Energy & Climate Comfort: Measured changes in energy use or climate adaptation.

  • Circular Materials & Waste: Materials reused or sourced locally.

  • Water & Soil Health: Acres stewarded; measurable improvements in retention and health.

  • Mobility & Access: Feedback on increased access or connectivity.

  • Local Prosperity & Equity: Economic and opportunity insights from local voices.

  • Governance & Participation: Participation in decisions; signals of inclusivity.

  • Biodiversity & Land Stewardship: Land restored or stewarded; ecosystem and cultural benefits.

What’s in a Progress Update?

Each quarterly update, or Evidence Pack, provides a clear view of our shared progress so contributors statewide can see how their efforts are making a difference.

  • Early Signals: We share early, easy-to-measure signs we’re on track, linked to our guiding principles.

  • Case Stories: We include examples from pilot projects—like healthy rentals, stewardship efforts, and new business launches.

  • Actionable Insights: We provide takeaways and feedback to help guide our next steps.

  • Impact Summaries: We highlight key achievements across all eight of our Shared Standards.

Impact in Action: Example Snapshots

Each progress update captures the core impacts achieved across our principles. Here is an example of what could be included:

  • Ventures Piloting New Approaches: 6

  • Local Engagements Supported: 22

  • CoBuild Community Growth: +18%

  • Capital Activated: $450,000

  • Estimated Emissions Avoided: 98 tons

These results help evolve our shared resources, inform new step-by-step guides, and strengthen community learning.

Timeline & Key Milestones

  • Q1 2026: Launch of the Formation Year with Future Build and the release of shared values and early indicators. Initial partnerships and community engagement begin.

  • Q2 2026: First progress update published, focusing on early learning and piloting indicators in core themes.

  • Q3 2026: Continued development of prototypes and expanded quarterly reporting as projects progress.

  • Q4 2026: CoBuild Summit—culminating with the launch of CoBuild MT as a multistakeholder cooperative, with a showcase of Future Build outcomes, community impact, and plans for 2027.

  • 2027: Launch of real ventures based on the systems, models, and cooperative business plans developed during the Formation Year.