The Initiative connects community economic development leaders with the resources, networks and training they need to serve their communities, and is helping create the next generation of sector leaders.

Conferences and training workshops provide opportunities for developers, partners and community leaders to network, collaborate, share best practices and envision new approaches to community challenges and opportunities.

The Initiative’s Summer Youth Leadership Program places high school seniors in summer internships in community organizations around the state. It exposes students to the challenges and solutions for helping the state’s poorest communities grow economically and gives them valuable work experience and life skills.