The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) recently partnered to host a 1.5-day Economic Partnership Alliance Workshop during IEDC’s Annual Conference in Detroit. The workshop brought together U.S. economic development professionals to strengthen partnerships, foster collaboration, and explore new approaches to advancing inclusive economic growth.
To complement the workshop, IEDC is pleased to share 'Back in Business – Alternative Strategies for Activating Commercial Space,' a guide showcasing innovative approaches to revitalizing vacant and underused commercial areas. The work of this guide was undertaken as a part of the Economic Partnership Alliance, a cross-sectoral partnership initiative led by New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) in collaboration with HBCU Community Development Action Coalition (CDAC), IEDC, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Through the Economic Partnership Alliance, the Live6 Alliance, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) created the 'Back in Business – Alternative Strategies for Activating Commercial Space' guide based on each organization’s unique experience and expertise in commercial district stewardship. This project will build on insights that grew out of the yearlong collaboration between Live 6, DDP, and DEGC and inform their work going forward.
Please click below to view the resource.
The session was co-facilitated by NGIN’s Vice President of Capital and Capacity, Bernita Johnson-Gabriel, and Kamesha West, People In Place Economics Consulting, with support from Zytha Kock, IEDC. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in interactive discussions and learned strategies for:
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Partnering effectively with community-based organizations (CBOs)
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Broadening access to diverse funding sources
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Aligning economic growth efforts with community well-being goals
Attendees walked away with new insights on how economic development organizations (EDOs) and CBOs can complement one another to achieve stronger, more resilient economies.
As part of the workshop, participants joined a site visit in Detroit to see firsthand how local organizations are putting partnership strategies into action. The visit showcased how collaboration at the neighborhood level can drive equitable development and highlighted innovative approaches that could be replicated in other communities.
IEDC extends a special thank you to the host organizations in Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), and Live6 Alliance, who welcomed participants and shared their experiences, as well as to our workshop partners for their leadership in making the event possible.
About the Economic Partnership Alliance
The Economic Partnership Alliance is a national program designed to strengthen collaboration between EDOs and CBOs. It is delivered by NGIN in partnership with IEDC, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and the HBCU Community Development Action Coalition, with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.