Pete Bombaci’s Post

We believe "real change happens at the community level. Working locally breaks down barriers and empowers people to thrive." That's why we partner with businesses across Georgia to invest in workforce training, education pathways, family economic mobility initiatives and more. Our corporate partners are catalyzing transformative change by unleashing the power of business for community impact. When companies engage locally, we can create opportunities and drive real change from the ground up. Thriving communities are key to a prosperous state economy. We're grateful to collaborate with forward-thinking Georgia businesses devoted to enriching their local communities. Together, we're building a state of opportunity for all. #CorporateCitizenship #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicMobility

As I write in Crain's Chicago Business, there is a real move going on of highly educated "talent" to move their lives, livelihoods and businesses they run to attractive lifestyle communities. The Great Lakes & Midwest can be their destination, but we have to embrace and make real more diverse, inclusive and racially integrated communities, if we are to not miss out on this positive trend. https://lnkd.in/gGcazV8x

Intention, Commitment and Thriving Will Ruddick points us to "Imagining a life where resources are shared, economic disparity is minimized, and the focus is on communal well-being". few things to consider- Shared Resources, Collective Labor, Modest Living, Community Governance, Economic Participation, Ethical or Religious Adherence, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Sustainability, Educational Engagement, Social Cohesion, Cultural Preservation, Non-Material Focus, Health and Wellness, Respect for Role, Service Orientation. Daniel Schmachtenberger, Nate Hagens, Nora Bateson, Dave Snowden, Louis Klein, Daniel Christian Wahl https://lnkd.in/ddreS2TZ

So inspired by the NGIN Summit, I will share some findings, reflections, and themes over the next week or so from the sessions we attended! I HIGHLY suggest attending this in the future if you can. At the recent NGIN Cityscapes Summit, we attended an enlightening session titled "Fireside Chat: Small Cities, Big Impact: How Inclusive Economic Strategies Fuel Growth in SMCs". The session introduced the "Policy, Practice, People, Prosperity" framework as a powerful approach to inclusive economic growth. Speakers Tawanna Black, Andre Perry, Donovan Duncan, James Hardy, and moderator Yasmina McCarty emphasized the importance of developing inclusive policies, translating these policies into effective practices, engaging community members, and striving for sustainable prosperity. A few important takeaways from this session. Policy Development: Creating inclusive policies that address the needs of diverse communities and ensure equitable economic and community development. Effective Practices: Translating policies into actionable and effective practices that local governments and organizations can implement. Community Engagement: Actively involving community members and stakeholders in decision-making processes to empower and benefit all individuals. Sustainable Prosperity: Focusing on sustainable economic growth that improves quality of life and opportunities for everyone, particularly through tracking progress via key indicators. Transformative Framework: Utilizing the "Policy, Practice, People, Prosperity" framework to drive inclusive economic strategies in small and mid-sized cities. New Growth Innovation Network M. Yasmina McCarty Tawanna Black Andre M. Perry Donovan Duncan James Hardy, MPH These insights are invaluable for our work at Creative Collective LLC. We are committed to advocating for policies that support underserved populations, implementing community-driven projects, fostering partnerships to build capacity, and tracking our progress to ensure tangible benefits for all. We can continue championing equity and belonging across the cities and towns we work in by integrating these strategies. Thanks to Colleen Dawicki, the Working Places program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Derek Mitchell, LEADS for having us! #NGINCityscapes #InclusiveEconomics #CommunityDevelopment #CreativeCollective

Economic growth and strong neighborhoods go hand in hand, each fueling the other's success. NJCC's mission is to spark this growth through targeted investments. We focus on areas where the impact can ripple through the community, creating waves of progress. By supporting businesses and homeowners alike, we lay the groundwork for lasting stability. Our efforts not only enhance economic health but also strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods. Discover how our investments promote economic growth and fortify communities. Visit our website to see the transformative effects firsthand - https://lnkd.in/e6SeBXB #economicdevelopment #communitysupport #communitydevelopment #socialimpact #makeadifference #communitybuilding #socialresponsibility #economicgrowth #financialempowerment #missiondriven #purposedriven #changemakers

"What's in a home? Bridging generational divides through housing" - new blog out 🚀 👇 On a personal level, genuine, sustained, and powerful friendships with people outside of my generation have shaped my life, values, and outlook… but not everyone is so lucky. Many individuals my age have almost no interaction with older people outside of immediate family - or even know their neighbours. I believe that integration across traditional silos, such as age groups, must be a vital focus for a country burdened by an obsession with the ‘nuclear family’, which has led to chronic loneliness and increasing reliance on professionals for emotional attachment. My Fellowship will explore how intentional housing innovations can foster belonging, and the ways in which design can enable relationships to flourish 👇 🌻 Welcoming all and any connections!

In today's polarized world, bridge-building is more essential than ever. This article emphasizes effective bridge-building goes beyond skills—it is a way of life. From cultivating deep listening and embracing complexity to committing to lifelong practice and being ready for discomfort, the journey of bridging divides is challenging yet transformative.   Whether in workplaces, communities, or even across political lines, the habits outlined can help us navigate difficult conversations and create real change. It is about engaging with curiosity, patience, and a profound love for humanity.   #BridgeBuilding #Leadership #Collaboration

I don’t know what to say or how to feel. To say I’m shocked is the biggest understatement of the century. I was expecting an alternative landslide. I remember studying how right wing beliefs and policies rise. It’s essentially a continued pattern through history of economic decline (2008 financial crash in this instance), no/slow recovery (hello) and individualistic protectionism kicking in, in our communities. Essentially ‘Let’s hold on to what we have because we’re scared someone might take it away’. Eventually, there is a breakdown of social cohesion, often a war, public services grind to a halt and everyone except the rich begins to suffer. Then the people stand up and say ‘enough is enough’ and swing in the direction of progress. The system is so broken. Our planet is burning. The gap between rich and poor has returned to Victorian levels. We don’t have the time - or surely be to God the inclination(?!) - for a big war!! It doesn’t have to be this way. But it is every single one of our duties to do something about it. Something doesn’t need to be big. It can be small. Local community impact is VITAL to societal cohesion, can reduce rates of depression and increase rates of inclusion. It’s also a low barrier to entry and something we can start to do today. So if you’re despondent, like me, today, my plan is to think about how I can be more involved in my local community to drive forward positive change. How can you do the same?

Earlier today, I had the privilege of holding space with both our first and one of our more recent community partners. This call reflected more than four decades of collaborations across economic development and climate resiliency efforts, and reminders that we are living history and progress is possible. The past several years have been full of unprecedented events, including the confluence of some of the starkest challenges to our communities and wellbeing.  We are also witnessing the coalescence of social impact and investing initiatives. The broadening spectrum of partners and sectors have included the reimagination of ways to mobilize capital for impact, and to foster trust and partnerships for a just future and opportunities to flourish. As I reflect on the growth we’ve seen in the social impact spaces such as the CDFI sector - from the expansion from the US mainland to Puerto Rico, and their roots in addressing braided calls for economic, social and environmental justice- I am grounded by this quote from Mayra Rivera and vision for abundance and shared prosperity: We seek justice in the world, we fight for the flourishing of each and all, not just because we suffer with others, but because we sense the luminosity and love the loveliness.

In a fascinating interview, renowned Harvard University political scientist and C&S Fellow Robert Putnam discusses the decline of social connection in America and its dire consequences for our democracy. He explores the rise of loneliness, political polarization, and the erosion of trust in our institutions. Read the full NYTimes interview here ⤵️ #CivicLearning #Civics #Democracy #CivicEducation #CSFellows