"This is an important time for all of us. The gaps are widening and we need to work together to narrow them. I urge you to seize the moment."

- Leslie Winner, executive director, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

Leaders in community economic development from across North Carolina convened in Leadership Institutes in May and October 2011 to examine ways to continue driving prosperity in low-income and underserved commuities in the face of greater need and dwindling resources.

North Carolina communities face unprecedented economic challenges, new public spending priorities and a widening wealth and income gap between the poorest and wealthiest people and communities. 

The institutes featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and break-out groups to examine:

• Major economic, social and environmental challenges facing North Carolina's communities
• Key opportunities to catalyze economic growth and wealth building among distressed, underserved and minority communities
• Strategies for enhancing collaboration and strategic alignment of the work of all sector players and engaging others who can help

Participants are developing action plans and strategies to create a new model for community economic development in North Carolina that is focused on innovation, strategic investment and effective collaboration.

For more information or to get involved, contact the N.C. Community Development Initiative at 919.828.5655 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .