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Welcome to the Collab Lab—a place where theory and practice collide. We say collide because on paper collaborative efforts look neat and organized. But in practice, they are complex and messy, difficult to manage, and most often produce lack-luster results.

For nearly two decades we have worked with all sorts of collaborative efforts—some that formed to solve large-scale complex cross-jurisdictional problems, and others to develop innovative approaches to emerging opportunities. Some have been wildly successful, others have not; some have even flopped.

But, having worked with hundreds of people, making up many dozens of collaborations, and having learned a host of lessons, we’ve come to keenly understand the practical do’s and dont’s that support collaborative success.

We've grounded our practice in theory, building on the findings of researchers that have studied collaborations through the lens of empirical science. When you come to our lab, you’ll see that we’ve created a place where these two perspectives come together—often colliding in illuminating and very informative ways.

We believe this is where true learning, innovation and success occurs.

Collab Lab is an enterprise of Valley Vision, a nonprofit association of people and organizations working to secure the social, environmental and economic health of the Sacramento Region. Founded in 1994, we are an objective, nonpartisan “action tank” committed to regional problem-solving as well as impartial research for sound decision-making. We act as a bridge, uniting neighbors and organizations that together can make a real difference in our communities.