As we enter the “decisive decade” for battling climate change, Grant Peisley from Community Energy Wales, Datblygiadau Egni Gwledig (DEG) and YnNi Teg sets out why the new Welsh Government need to prioritise support for community-led energy projects to achieve a stronger, greener, fairer future.

Matthew Brindley, Building Communities Trust’s policy officer outlines why it’s so important the next Government recognise, respect and invest in Strong Welsh Communities and their organisations.

Lloyd Jones from the Bevan Foundation outlines why, as we recover from Covid, it may be a fitting time to give communities greater say and control of the local assets they care about.

Elin Hywel from Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog outlines why the next Welsh Government needs to recognise Welsh Communities as a huge, largely untapped resource of wellbeing and resilience and key to sustaining and developing local economies in Wales.

Noreen Blanluet from the Co-production Network for Wales sets out how Government can, and should, meaningfully involve citizens and communities in the co-production of public services in Wales.

Matthew Brindley, Building Communities Trust’s policy officer reflects on where communities sit in the wider public policy debate following the autumn party conferences in Wales.

Chris Johnes explains how a conversation about resilient communities led to a sell-out conference on Building a New Local Economy in Wales.

Consulting the people in Invest Local communities about what’s important to them has led to some common themes emerging. Chris Johnes explains what we’ve found out so far.

With the demise of Communities First, the Welsh Government’s priority is ‘resilient communities’. In his latest blog, BCT Chief Exec Chris Johnes explores exactly what this means.

In the eleven active communities in the Invest Local programme, the summer months have been a time for talking. Chris Johnes explains more about Invest Local's approach to consultation.

As we begin consultation with local communities, Chief Executive Chris Johnes talks about the effect/nature of boundaries on place-based programmes.

As Invest Local begins, the first challenge will be getting as many people within your community involved – whether that’s to give their views on the area, share their ideas for the future, or get involved in the process.

Over the next few weeks myself, colleagues and – most importantly – residents of a dozen or so small communities across Wales will take the first steps in breaking new ground.