One of the most popular and productive sessions during the Adirondack Common Ground Alliance Annual Forum has traditionally been the group breakout sessions. They are a fabulous opportunity to discuss important topics with a diverse group of people, who might not otherwise be in the same space together.
We anticipate these sessions will be as lively, motivating and interesting during the Wednesday, July 21 Forum as they have been in the past. Here’s why. We’ve identified these five topics for discussion:
1. Community: How can we meet the housing demand with creative solutions being deployed locally or in other regions? How do we ensure that Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities don’t experience discrimination in securing housing as they are disproportionately affected by this issue?
2. Economy: How do we create jobs and meaningful career opportunities? (Examples might include: Increasing the number and supporting the needs of remote workers, developing workforce training opportunities, creating mechanisms to enhance upward mobility and opportunity).
3. Economy: How do we attract and encourage entrepreneurs to start new or take over existing business? (Examples might include: Access to capital for low-income and minoritized individuals, increased entrepreneurial training opportunities, identifying high growth sectors and gaps in value chain production, business ombudsman to navigate permitting).
4. Community/Environment: Improving community-based recreational assets will provide added alternatives to areas of the Forest Preserve that are stressed by heightened use. How can we support these efforts while balancing natural resource conservation and the needs/wishes of residents?
5. Environment: How can communities emerge as leaders at the local level with respect to climate change adaptation/resilience, mitigation and disaster planning?
What role can you play in determining a local and regional direction for these issues? Do you have an idea on how to mobilize others to help move an initiative forward? Do you have an example of other communities who have been successful addressing these topics?
Join the discussion by registering for the Wednesday, July 21 virtual Forum. Your voice matters.
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