As inflation and economic inequity deepen, too many Americans face financial instability and diminished opportunities. But amid these uncertainties is a path forward with transformative potential: place-based solutions.
Place-based partnerships are expanding across the country, fostering economic mobility and creating local solutions to address our most pressing challenges. Now, place-based solutions are gaining more national attention — backed by substantial federal funding — underscoring the power of this approach.
Last week, I had the honor of participating in the White House Summit on Capital Support for Place-Based Economic Development. This convening brought together senior Administration officials, philanthropic leaders, non-governmental organizations and implementers to identify new opportunities to make the most of federal investment in communities across the country. StriveTogether was honored to be present alongside key national partners, including Ballmer Group, Harlem Children’s Zone, Partners for Rural Impact, Purpose Built Communities and Results for America.
In the face of escalating economic challenges, it’s clear that top-down approaches alone are insufficient. We need a more targeted approach, one that acknowledges and leverages the strengths and resources of individual communities. This is where place-based partnerships come into play. Place-based partnerships are dedicated to improving their local areas by focusing on the unique characteristics of their communities, using data-driven strategies to make lasting, generational progress.
The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network is one of the largest place-based movements in the country, made up of more than 70 communities working to get better, more equitable outcomes for young people.
Communities nationwide are seeing real transformation as a result of place-based partnerships.
Their successes underscore the importance of localized, context-sensitive strategies to address broader systemic issues. Here are a few ways this approach had made an impact for young people:
- In Memphis, Tennessee, Seeding Success mobilized community members to advocate for local government support for child care. This coalition expanded the accessibility of early education by funding spots for another 1,000 students.
- In Pima County, Arizona, Cradle to Career Partnership helps school district partners use data to get better outcomes for K-12 students. One local district, Marana Unified School District, saw a 21% increase in the average reading proficiency for students in the focus group from kindergarten to fourth grade.
- In Connecticut, Stamford Cradle to Career is helping young people reach opportunity after high school through Bridge to College. The initiative helped increase college enrollment from 64% in 2018 to 76% in 2023 for students receiving targeted support.
Together, these communities and others in the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network are working toward a collective vision of putting 4 million more young people on a path to economic mobility by 2030. This vision is what our country needs to reverse declines in economic opportunity and create strong futures for every child.
Last week’s White House Summit represents a critical investment in the future of our communities. It recognizes the vital role that place-based partnerships play in driving change. As this national spotlight illuminates the success of local efforts, we must continue to embrace and support this approach, ensuring that this work is sustained and expanded.
The systems of opportunity have not worked for too many Americans. Entire communities and generations have been left behind by the progress enjoyed by too few. Placed-based solutions prove that local organizations working together can change outcomes for our youth and our communities. In navigating economic uncertainty, we can harness the power of place-based solutions to build a more prosperous future for every community.
