Scott Winton · Strategic Planning

Leap Town Planning Group

Strategic planning for communities of 500–5,000 residents who want a genuinely different future — not a smaller version of a large city.

Introduction

The future of small towns will not be secured by repeating the planning practices of the past.

Communities that thrive will be those willing to think differently while preserving the character and identity that make them unique. Leap Town helps communities leap into the future by combining systems thinking, strategic planning, and human development to create stronger local economies, healthier neighborhoods, effective governance, diverse housing, thriving businesses, and meaningful public spaces.

Rather than becoming smaller versions of large cities, Leap Town communities become the very best versions of themselves.

Coaching Services

Choose how you engage.

From a single assessment to a long-term partnership — Leap Town meets communities where they are.

$500

One-time

Remote Community Assessment

Assessment of existing conditions with written recommendations.

$1,600

Single session

Online Vision Workshop

Develop a shared vision, determine priorities, and explore how we can work together to achieve the community's goals.

$2,500 plus travel

Full day on-site

On-Site Community Vision Workshop

A full-day facilitated workshop to build consensus, discover community aspirations, understand local identity, identify opportunities, and begin creating an implementation roadmap.

Most popular

$3,850

30 hrs / 12 months

Weekly Strategic Coaching

Thirty hours over twelve months. Customized guidance for elected officials, developers, organizations, and community leaders.

Long-term

Ongoing partnership

Customized Strategies

Long-term consulting tailored to each client — for communities and organizations ready for comprehensive, sustained engagement.

Core Beliefs

  • Plans must lead to action — every recommendation must be feasible and measurable
  • Local identity is a competitive advantage, not a limitation
  • Walkability and connectivity directly improve quality of life
  • Land use, housing, infrastructure, and economy are one interconnected system
  • Food production creates resilience, purpose, and income for any community
  • Municipal leadership is essential to making planning real

Strategic Initiative

Healthy Texas Towns — a private program to help a small Texas town become a model of sustainable, healthy living for communities throughout the state.

The goal is not just to improve one town, but to demonstrate what is possible — and inspire communities across Texas to leap into a stronger future.

The Framework

The 10 Elements of a Leap Town

Scott's proprietary planning framework for communities that want to be genuinely different: walkable, self-sufficient, locally owned, and built to last.

01

Hierarchy of Open Space

Town has a definite edge — surrounded by farms and nature, not sprawl.

02

Preserve and Fill the Grid

Infill first. Drought-tolerant trees in rain gardens. No new sprawl.

03

Remodel and Restore Buildings

Form-based zoning, embodied energy, adaptive reuse of what exists.

04

Local Investment Groups

Community capital stays in the community — local ownership matters.

05

Education for All

K–12 community curriculum + adult programs for passion identification.

06

Local Food Production

Greenhouse organic farming, farm-to-table economy, export income.

07

Car-Free Lifestyle

Walking, bicycle, EV. Eliminating car costs = affordability for residents.

08

Renewable Energy

Net-zero buildings, solar, wind, graywater recycling.

09

Micro and Self Employment

Local businesses grown from community passions and skills.

10

Universal Basic Needs

Food, shelter, clothing, and real opportunity for every resident.

Contact

Ready to start a conversation?

Every community is different. Reach out to discuss your situation and which level of engagement makes sense for your goals.

Get in touch

Scott Winton · (915) 637-0787 · scottwinton@sbcglobal.net