New Resource to Bolster Inclusive Economic Growth and Shared Prosperity for US Small and Medium-Sized Cities


“More than a quarter of the US population live in one of 700 small and medium sized cities. As this figure grows, we have the opportunity to reimagine economic and community development practices that accelerate shared prosperity,” said M. Yasmina McCarty, CEO of NGIN.

New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) is launching a specialized hub with dedicated resources to drive inclusive economic development, advance racial equity, and reduce health inequities in US cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 residents, developed with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“Our commitment to supporting healthy communities is rooted in equity. NGIN has the expertise and track record in promoting economic and community development partnerships to seek bold and lasting change to advance health and racial equity. We are thrilled to fund NGIN on this important initiative and its powerful coalition of local economic and community development partners,” said Abbey Cofsky, Managing Director, Programs, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“More than a quarter of the US population live in one of 700 small and medium sized cities. As this figure grows, we have the opportunity to reimagine economic and community development practices that accelerate shared prosperity. We are grateful for the support of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and its leadership building healthy communities where everyone flourishes,” added M. Yasmina McCarty, CEO of NGIN.

The 2020 census and migration prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic revealed challenges that are unique to small and medium sized cities, or SMCs. It also revealed that these cities have significant opportunities to deliver comprehensive community and economic development strategies which uplift community voice, advance racial equity and grow regional economies. Leaders from SMCs across the United States will be invited to both shape and benefit from this program. Advantages for participants include peer learning opportunities, exchange delegations, in-person convenings and connections to capital.

“The dynamics of inclusive economic growth and healthy community development are complex. Together with funders and SMC leaders, NGIN will co-create this resource that will serve as the definitive guide to reimagining America’s future in small and medium sized cities,” said Swati Ghosh, Vice President, Insights and Innovations at NGIN.

ABOUT NEW GROWTH INNOVATION NETWORK (NGIN)

New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) is a knowledge, insight, and innovation hub, supporting economic development practitioners advance inclusive economic growth in their region. Established in 2018, NGIN focuses on closing structural opportunity gaps to ensure that economically disenfranchised people of color, women, and neglected geographies are a core part of regional economic growth and prosperity. NGIN works to drive systemic change through the NGIN community of practitioners, its platform of insights, and innovations.

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