At Burns Village & Farm, we’re building something special—a multi-generational cohousing agrihood rooted in community, diversity and sustainability. We come together to create community by making honest, meaningful connections with each other. We envision a healthy, thriving community whose members contribute varied experiences and perspectives in respectful decision-making while reducing our overall impact on the Earth.  

What Guides Us 

Community — Establishing a village where we all know, and are supportive, of each other.

Diversity — We welcome people of all ages with diverse religious, socioeconomic, racial/ethnic, sexual orientation, physical abilities, and cultural backgrounds who align with our cooperative community as described here.  

Sustainability — We care deeply for the land and the surrounding environment. We will take steps to minimize harmful impacts on the Earth, and live harmoniously with nature.

Cohousing — Principles of cohousing are being designed into the property and facilities.  Briefly, this includes smaller homes and a large shared Common House, and parking on the periphery of the community.    

Professionally-managed Farm —The community centers around a 2-3 acre farm used for producing food for the community and others. Members volunteer as much or as little time as they like to support the farmer who uses organic, regenerative methods.  

Communication — We commit to developing our skills and practicing open, honest, and relationship-enhancing communication.  

Flexible Collaboration — We work together to maintain the common property and facilities. Participation is encouraged, but not mandatory.  Everyone is expected to contribute according to their abilities.  

Privacy — Members’ privacy will be respected inside their own home.      

Governance

Community Meetings — Member meetings are held twice a month for Action Teams to report on current activities and progress, and to discuss new issues that may need attention.  All members are encouraged to attend and are welcome to ask questions.  

Modified Consensus Decision-Making — Members discuss proposals as a group, respectfully listening to all viewpoints.  We use ROUNDS to give everyone a turn to express their perspective.  Objections to a proposal are noted and discussed. Those who object are expected to offer alternative solutions that align with community values and agreements.  The proposal is refined to address the objections. Decisions are made when no further objections persist.  If a decision needs to be made before consensus is reached, the community will make a decision when a 70% majority agree.       

Action Teams — BVF (currently) has 7 action teams (marketing,membership, development, process, finance/legal, coordination, and fun) focusing on defined areas of responsibility.  Members are encouraged to join one or more teams based on their interests. Volunteer facilitators organize agendas, and run meetings to accomplish the team's mission.

Reconciliation Process — The  community offers a variety of tools and guidance for Members to address disagreements with respect and care.  The simplest resolution is when parties engage in a respectful dialogue, listen to each others’ perspectives, and work out a solution addressing concerns on both sides.  The process team can help point members to additional resources.  

A Living Document 

This governance framework will grow and evolve alongside our village. We welcome feedback and ideas, and we will review the document together as our needs change.