Place-Based Policies to Revitalize the U.S. Economy

Recent federal policies have leveraged "place-based programs" to respond to regions facing persistent economic distress, leveraging the power of local economic development intermediaries. Fortunately, these economic development organizations are not new. We can learn from their decades of experience recruiting firms, creating ecosystems and partnerships, facilitating economic transformations, and responding in real-time to economic transitions.

The Reimagining the Economy Project will be bringing together leaders from regional economic and workforce development organizations, including winners and finalists of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge and the Recompete Pilot Program. The goal of this gathering is to take stock of recent place-based policies and interventions that aim to address economic distress and promote productivity. Through panel discussions, breakout sessions, and workshops, we hope to examine different models and theories of change, understand what is working (and what isn't), unpack local capacity constraints and opportunities, and facilitate new connections and learning among regional leaders.

Learn more about this conference

This event will include:

• Panel discussions featuring leaders from all across the country, including Birmingham, AL; Buffalo, NY; and Eastern KY
• Discussions of different place-based practitioner models and how to build capacity to implement place-based policy in the context of distress
• Implications for policy, philanthropy, and the private sector
• Workshop-style conversations on business ecosystems and innovation, workforce development strategies, small business support, and the role of regional systems hubs