HOPE Economic Mobility Forum: Seizing the Moment: Maximizing Federal Investments in Under-Resourced Communities 2024

About the Forum

The Hope Policy Institute set the context by outlining key economic mobility challenges and opportunities facing the region. Building on themes explored earlier in the series, the Forum emphasized translating federal resources into locally driven strategies that respond to community needs and strengthen long-term capacity.

Community perspectives were shared by representatives from the Arkansas Black Mayor’s Association and Communities Unlimited, highlighting on-the-ground considerations that shape economic outcomes. The Forum also featured insights from federal agencies including the U.S. Small Business Administration, USDA Rural Development, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Federal Highway Administration, with discussions focused on aligning federal programs with local priorities to maximize impact.

What the Forum Explored

As the concluding Forum in HOPE’s 2024 Economic Mobility Forum series, this convening brought together lessons from across the year to reinforce the importance of coordination among communities, policymakers, and federal partners. Conversations emphasized implementation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained investment as key drivers of equitable economic mobility in the Deep South.

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Learn more about HOPE’s Economic Mobility Forums and stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities to engage.