Sign In  |  Site Map  |  Comments Home » Departments » Development Services » Planning » Social Capital Social Capital     It Starts With Relationships If we want vital neighborhoods, it starts with relationships - connecting and working with our neighbors.  In his book "Bowling Alone" Robert Putnam discusses the concept of "social capital"     Social capital refers to connections among people: the trust, mutual understanding, and shared values and behaviors that bind the members of human networks and communities and make cooperative action possible.  The basic premise is that interactions, connections, and  relationships change communities.         Everyone has connections-Family,friends, co-workers, teammates, fellow worshipers, club members, high school and college buddies, and on and on and on.  Think about how your network of contacts has helped you throughout your life.  Maybe someone you know referred you to a job?  Or maybe they set you up on a blind date with your spouse?  Perhaps they helped you find a new doctor?  There are all kinds of ways we benefit from the relationships we have in life.  Probably a day doesn't go by when we don't use the web of resources at our fingertips to get hep with something.  This web of resources and connections is social capital and it makes all the difference to the health of your neighborhood. Development Services Planning Department Contact Information Applications and Submittal Requirements Calendar Comprehensive Planning Development Planning Development Process and Regulations Plan Commission